PLLA/ZnO nanocomposites: Dynamic surfaces to harness cell differentiation

Abstract

Graphical abstract2 Highlights  Biodegradable poly(L-lactide) matrix loaded with ZnO nanorods. Dynamic presentation of nanorods triggered by PLLA degradation. Changes in surface properties as a function of time control cell behaviour. Nanorods exposure promotes cell differentiation.3 Keywords: PLLA, ZnO nanoparticle, C2C12 myoblast, nanocomposite, cell differentiation AbstractThis work investigates the effect of the sequential availability of ZnO nanoparticles, (nanorods of ~ 20 nm) loaded within a degradable poly(lactic acid) (PLLA) matrix, in cell differentiation. The system constitutes a dynamic surface, in which nanoparticles are exposed as the polymer matrix degrades. ZnO nanoparticles were loaded into PLLA and the system was measured at different time points to characterise the time evolution of the physicochemical properties, including wettability and thermal properties. The micro and nanostructure were also investigated using AFM, SEM and TEM images. Cellular experiments with C2C12 myoblasts show that cell differentiation was significantly enhanced on ZnO nanoparticles -loaded PLLA, as the polymer degrades and the availability of nanoparticles become more apparent, whereas the release of zinc within the culture medium was negligible. Our results suggest PLLA/ZnO nanocomposites can be used as a dynamic system where nanoparticles are exposed during degradation, activating the material surface and driving cell differentiation.4

Hydrolysis of poly(l‐lactide)/ZnO nanocomposites with antimicrobial activity

“…Our group has previously shown that PLLA hydrolytic degradation preferably occurs at the PLLA–ZnO interface, suggesting that the formation of surface COOH groups upon hydrolysis may be faster when in the presence of ZnO nanoparticles because they are able to speed up the whole hydrolytic process . Therefore, the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles into PLLA matrix is seen as an efficient approach to improve the efficiency of the surface modification process (hydrolysis) and obtain biocompatible materials with tunable surface properties.…”

“…Several reports have shown that PLLA/ZnO system shows promising properties for the packaging and biomedical field . ZnO is approved by the American Food and Drug Administration, which shows useful UV‐shielding properties when incorporated into biopolymers, and is able to prompt hydrolytic degradation reactions.…”

PLLA–silver nanoparticles bionanocomposite membranes: Preparation, antibacterial activity, and in vitro hydrolytic degradation assessment

“…The characteristics of biocompatibility, biodegradability and the fact that it is an immunologically inert polymer, the PLLA is suitable for tissue engineering applications . In order to improve mechanical properties or insert specific functionalities in PLA or PLLA for tissue engineering in general, researchers have been investigating the incorporation of distinct nanostructured materials into this biopolymeric matrix …”

“…18 In order to improve mechanical properties or insert specific functionalities in PLA or PLLA for tissue engineering in general, researchers have been investigating the incorporation of distinct nanostructured materials into this biopolymeric matrix. 4,[17][18][19][20][21][22] Among the distinct applications of biopolymers in tissue engineering, one of significant interest is related to the dental area. In this field, a problem of major concern is the periodontal disease.…”

bFGF and Poly‐RGD Cooperatively Establish Biointerface for Stem Cell Adhesion, Proliferation, and Differentiation

“…As compared to heparin functionalized biointerface, the fabricated biointerface contained exposed RGD motif which could efficiently bind with cell surface to improve cell affinity to the engineered interface. Moreover, unlike chemical synthetic molecules or inorganic materials, bFGF is a natural peptide which is biocompatible with biological tissues . In addition to its role in efficiently promoting cell differentiation, bFGF has also been recognized to function in preventing nerve cell death and promoting nerve recovery from nerve injuries; therefore, the cooperative effect of PRGD/bFGF could also be used to functionalize biointerface on artificial conduits for nerve regeneration .…”