Synthesis, Characterization and Biodegradation of Novel Poly(L-lactide)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Porous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications

Hassan      Adeli; Sharif      Hussein Sharif Zein; Soon      Huat Tan; Hazizan      Md Akil; Abdul      Latif Ahmad

doi:10.2174/157341311795542552

Abstract

This paper reports on the synthesis and characterization of novel poly(L-lactide)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (PLLA/MWCNT) porous scaffolds prepared by the freeze-extraction method. The obtained scaffolds showed well-distributed and interconnected porous structures with more than 80% porosity and median pore size around 40 μm distributed within a region between 50 and 150 μm in size. As a result of high interfacial interaction between PLLA and the MWCNTs, the scaffolds exhibited remarkable improvements in mechanical properties such as strength, modulus and elongation. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed enhanced thermal stability and compatibility for PLLA/MWCNT scaffolds. The structural properties of the scaffolds were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In vitro degradation studies of the scaffolds were assessed by immersing the scaffolds in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for up to 24 weeks. It was found that the incorporation of MWCNTs in PLLA scaffolds decreased the rate of in vitro degradation.

Keywords: Biodegradation, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, poly(L-lactide), porous scaffold, tissue engineering, Biodegradable polymers, Freeze-extraction method, in vitro degradation, Mechanical properties, Nanocomposites, Swelling degree, Thermal Properties, Weight loss, Carbon Nanotubes, Single-walled carbon nanotubes, RF sputtering, Fe catalyst, Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition, Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope, Field Emission Properties, Radial Breathing Mode