Electrospun Polymeric Composite Fibers Containing Te-Doped Bioactive Glass Powders.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Bioactive glasses offer therapeutic properties like bioactivity and antibacterial effects.
• Poly (ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) is a biocompatible polymer widely used in tissue engineering.
• Tellurium-doped bioactive glasses (STe5) possess enhanced bioactive, antibacterial, and antioxidant characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate novel polymeric composite fibers incorporating tellurium-doped bioactive glass (STe5) powders.
• To investigate the effect of STe5 incorporation on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of PCL fibers.
• To evaluate the bioactivity and antibacterial efficacy of the developed composite materials for tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning technique was employed to create composite fibers from PCL and STe5 glass powders.
• Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) was used to analyze the morphology and filler dispersion.
• Wettability, mechanical testing, in vitro stability assays, and preliminary antibacterial tests were conducted.

Main Results:

• FESEM confirmed successful incorporation of STe5 glass powders into the PCL matrix up to 20% by weight.
• The addition of STe5 powders significantly enhanced the wettability and mechanical properties of the PCL fibers.
• The composite fibers exhibited improved in vitro stability and demonstrated a dose-dependent antibacterial effect against tested pathogens.
• Acetic acid treatment did not compromise the inherent bioactivity of the STe5 glass fillers.

Conclusions:

• Electrospun PCL/STe5 composite fibers represent a promising multifunctional material for tissue engineering.
• The enhanced wettability, mechanical strength, and antibacterial properties make these composites suitable for various regenerative medicine applications.
• Further research is warranted to fully explore their potential in specific tissue regeneration contexts.