A comparative study of polyurethane nanofibers with different patterns and its analogous nanofibers containing MWCNTs

Authors

Javier Macossay-Torres, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Faheem A. Sheikh, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Hassan Ahmad, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Hern Kim
Gary L. Bowlin

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2015

Abstract

Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field that has evolved in various dimensions in recent years. One of the main aspects in this field is the proper adjustment and final compatibility of implants at the target site of surgery. For this purpose, it is desired to have the materials fabricated at the nanometer scale, since these dimensions will ultimately accelerate the fixation of implants at the cellular level. In this study, electrospun polyurethane nanofibers and their analogous nanofibers containing MWCNTs are introduced for tissue engineering applications. Since MWCNTs agglomerate to form bundles, a high intensity sonication procedure was used to disperse them, followed by electrospinning the polymer solutions that contained these previously dispersed MWCNTs. Characterization of the produced nanofibers has confirmed production of different non-woven mats, which include random, semi-aligned and mostly aligned patterns. A simultaneous and comparative study was conducted on the nanofibers with respect to their thermal stability, mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Results indicate that the mostly aligned nanofibers pattern presents higher thermal stability, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. Furthermore, incorporation of MWCNTs among the different arrangements significantly improved the mechanical properties and cell alignment along the nanofibers.

Comments

© 2015 VBRI Press. Original published version available at http://www.dx.doi.org/10.5185/amlett.2015.5888

Recommended Citation

Macossay-Torres, J., Sheikh, F. A., Ahmad, H., Kim, H., & Bowlin, G. L. (2015). A comparative study of polyurethane nanofibers with different patterns and its analogous nanofibers. Advanced Materials Letters, 6(9), 1–0. https://doi.org/10.5185/amlett.2015.5888

First Page

768

Last Page

773

Publication Title

Advanced Materials Letters

DOI

10.5185/amlett.2015.5888