Graphene Nanoplatelets for the Development of Reinforced PLA–PCL Electrospun Fibers as the Next-Generation of Biomedical Mats

Abstract

Electrospun scaffolds made of nano- and micro-fibrous non-woven mats from biodegradable polymers have been intensely investigated in recent years. In this field, polymer-based materials are broadly used for biomedical applications since they can be managed in high scale, easily shaped, and chemically changed to tailor their specific biologic properties. Nonetheless polymeric materials can be reinforced with inorganic materials to produce a next-generation composite with improved properties. Herein, the role of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on electrospun poly-l-lactide-co-poly-ε-caprolactone (PLA–PCL, 70:30 molar ratio) fibers was investigated. Microfibers of neat PLA–PCL and with different amounts of GNPs were produced by electrospinning and they were characterized for their physicochemical and biologic properties. Results showed that GNPs concentration notably affected the fibers morphology and diameters distribution, influenced PLA–PCL chain mobility in the crystallization process and tuned the mechanical and thermal properties of the electrospun matrices. GNPs were also liable of slowing down copolymer degradation rate in simulated physiological environment. However, no toxic impurities and degradation products were pointed out up to 60 d incubation. Furthermore, preliminary biologic tests proved the ability of the matrices to enhance fibroblast cells attachment and proliferation probably due to their unique 3D-interconnected structure.

Biomaterials for Soft Tissue Repair and Regeneration: A Focus on Italian Research in the Field

“…PLA–PCL composite mats were successfully loaded with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), at 0.5 wt % to 4 wt % concentration, by electrospinning technique [ 234 ]. The set-up electrospinning process confirmed reliable in promoting parallel orientation of GNPs’ base plane to the jet flow direction with a strong binding among the two-dimensional (2D) graphene sheets and the thermoplastic polymer matrix and thus impacting the thermal behavior of the composite electrospun matrices with its significant enhancement.…”

Electrospun Polycaprolactone Nanofibers: Current Research and Applications in Biomedical Application

“…Then, when GNPs added up to 4wt% to PLA-PCL solution, the dynamic viscosity was five times greater than before. About the morphology of the fiber, which presented homogeneous fibrous matrices with the 1µm diameter of the fiber and the porosity is suitable according to the tested analysis 39 . In Table 3, the other recent research has shown and the specific summary of the morphology of the blend polymer.…”

Application of Bioplastic Packaging In Industry

“…According to Yun et al, [38], PHAs has been used as surgical film during surgery of ventral hernia repair. For PLA and PCL electrospun fibers with addition of graphene nanoplatelets are used for development of biomedical mats [39]. Enrica et al, [39] also reported that, this biomedical mat has 2 main advantages which is 1) Optimum cell attachment ability and fibrous matrix proliferation and 2) Good compatibility in physiological environment of the degradation products released during incubation matrices.…”

“…For PLA and PCL electrospun fibers with addition of graphene nanoplatelets are used for development of biomedical mats [39]. Enrica et al, [39] also reported that, this biomedical mat has 2 main advantages which is 1) Optimum cell attachment ability and fibrous matrix proliferation and 2) Good compatibility in physiological environment of the degradation products released during incubation matrices. Addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) into gelatin and starch improve the compatibility between the material and has potential to use as medical capsule [40].…”

“…Reported by Khoo et al, [50], a typical bio based bag from the United State of America (USA) is made from PHAs. Personal care packaging [44] Compostable bag [48], Loose fill foam [49] PCL Food packaging [29], High temperature food packaging [30], Antibacterial food packaging [31], Food packaging [32] Biomedical mats [39] Trash bag [47] Starch Based Food films [27], Edible films [28] Capsule medical [40], Hard capsule [41], Gelatin capsule [42] Beauty Mask [46] Grocery bag [47], Trash bag [49] PHAs Food packaging [26] Surgical films [38] Cosmetic containers [25], Shampoo bottles [45], Beauty mask [46] Bio based bag [50]…”