Physical and Mechanical Characterizations of Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose/Polycaprolactone Composite for Use as a Synthetic Dura Mater

Abstract

An inadequate dural closure is one of the most challenging problems for neurosurgeons during the surgical procedures. A repair of the dura mater by natural or synthetic materials is often needed. This should satisfy fundamental criteria for example preventing cerebrospinal fluid leakage, exhibiting similar mechanical properties to the natural dura mater and not inducing foreign body reaction or inflammation. Oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) and polycaprolactone (PCL) have been extensively used as hemostatic agent and implant in many biomedical applications due to their long term proven safety, biodegradability and biocompatibility. This study investigated the potential of using a combination of ORC and PCL as a novel dural substitute. ORC/PCL composites were prepared by solution infiltration of ORC sheet with PCL solution (Mw ≈ 80,000) at various concentrations ranging 10-50 g/100 ml. Characterizations including density, tensile properties and microstructure were then performed. It was found that the density of all formulations did not differ and were in the range of 0.5-0.6 kg m-3. Microstructure of the samples typically comprised a bilayer structure having a PCL layer on one side and the ORC/PCL mixed layer on another side. Tensile modulus and strength initially decreased with increasing PCL concentration for up to 20% and re-increased again with further increasing PCL concentration. Elongation at break of all formulations was not significantly different. Both physical and mechanical properties of the samples were found to be similar to those of natural human dura mater.

Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polycaprolactone Green and Hybrid Biocomposites for Various Advanced Applications

“…Additionally, several researchers have successfully developed cellulose–PCL biocomposites from various sources of fibers. Theeranattapong et al (2015) [ 125 ] developed the biocomposites of oxidized regenerated cellulose–PCL for use as a synthetic dura meter. Cellulose–PCL biocomposites were prepared with solution infiltration of a cellulose sheet with PCL solution at various concentrations ranging from 10–50 g per 100 mL.…”

Renewed interest in biopolymer composites: incorporation of renewable, plant-sourced fibers

“…For example, Theeranattapong et al reported that oxidized regenerated cellulose sheets coated with PCL exhibited mechanical properties that closely simulated those of the human dura mater, a thick membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. 101 Sarasini et al showcased the effect of co-composites made with multiple different reinforcing fibers on the resulting mechanical properties and their applicability for orthotic devices. Their work displayed the tensile strength and Young's modulus tunability imparted through co-compounding with both ramie and borassus fibers.…”

Current Progress in Biopolymer-Based Bionanocomposites and Hybrid Materials

“…Additionally, several researchers have successfully developed cellulose-PCL biocomposites from various sources of fibers. Theeranattapong et al (2015) [125] developed the biocomposites of oxidized regenerated cellulose-PCL for use as a synthetic dura meter. Cellulose-PCL biocomposites were prepared with solution infiltration of a cellulose sheet with PCL solution at various concentrations ranging from 10-50 g per 100 mL.…”