Imaging, spectroscopy, mechanical, alignment and biocompatibility studies of electrospun medical grade polyurethane (Carbothane(TM) 3575A) nanofibers and composite nanofibers containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes

In the present study, we discuss the electrospinning of medical grade polyurethane (Carbothane(TM) 3575A) nanofibers containing multi-walled-carbon-nanotubes (MWCNTs). A simple method that does not depend on additional foreign chemicals has been employed to disperse MWCNTs through high intensity son...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials 2015-01, Vol.41, p.189-198
Main Authors: Sheikh, Faheem A, Macossay, Javier, Cantu, Travis, Zhang, Xujun, Hassan, MShamshi, Salinas, MEsther, Farhangi, Chakavak S, Ahmad, Hassan, Kim, Hern, Bowlin, Gary L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alignment
Biocompatibility
Electrospinning
Mats
Mechanical properties
Medical
Nanofibers
Polyurethane resins
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Summary:In the present study, we discuss the electrospinning of medical grade polyurethane (Carbothane(TM) 3575A) nanofibers containing multi-walled-carbon-nanotubes (MWCNTs). A simple method that does not depend on additional foreign chemicals has been employed to disperse MWCNTs through high intensity sonication. Typically, a polymer solution consisting of polymer/MWCNTs has been electrospun to form nanofibers. Physiochemical aspects of prepared nanofibers were evaluated by SEM, TEM, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, confirming nanofibers containing MWCNTs. The biocompatibility and cell attachment of the produced nanofiber mats were investigated while culturing them in the presence of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. The results from these tests indicated non-toxic behavior of the prepared nanofiber mats and had a significant attachment of cells towards nanofibers. The incorporation of MWCNTs into polymeric nanofibers led to an improvement in tensile stress from 11.40 plus or minus 0.9 to 51.25 plus or minus 5.5 MPa. Furthermore, complete alignment of the nanofibers resulted in an enhancement on tensile stress to 72.78 plus or minus 5.5 MPa. Displaying these attributes of high mechanical properties and non-toxic nature of nanofibers are recommended for an ideal candidate for future tendon and ligament grafts.
ISSN:1751-6161
DOI:10.1016/j.jmbbm.2014.10.012