Polycaprolactone–starch blends with corn-based coupling agent: physical properties and in vitro analysis

Abstract

In an attempt to improve properties of polycaprolcatone-starch blend, this study uses zein as coupling agent in preparing the blend through a single-step process. Zein, which has affinity to both polar and non-polar groups, is expected to improve miscibility between the blends' constituents and its overall biocompatibility. Mechanical properties of the blend were tested and further characterizations (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal properties) were performed to analyze the effect of zein as an addition to the blend's physical properties. The blend's biocompatibility was examined by indirect methods (contact angle and weight gain after immersion in simulated body fluid) and in vitro analysis. No significant effect on the blend's strength and stiffness was caused by adding zein. Hydrophilicity and cell affinity were improved when zein was added. Zein did not perform as a coupling agent that improved miscibility between polycaprolactone and starch, but its addition improved the blend's biocompatibility.

γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles filled polyvinyl alcohol as potential biomaterial for tissue engineering scaffold

“…In both spectra, three peaks are more prominent, with A and D represent the PVA's melting state. From the DSC result, addition of γ-Fe 2 O 3 in the PVA reduces the heat enthalpy (ΔH f ) and increases the glass transition temperature (T g ) of the electrospun nanofibers, as expected from a blend with semi crystalline polymer matrix (Nor et al, 2012).…”

Compatibility of poly(acrylic acid)/starch blends

“…Blends of starch with synthetic polymers upgrade the mechanical properties and give biodegradable property to plastics . Blends of starch with natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers such as chitosan , poly(lactic acid) (PLA) , polycaprolactone (PCL) , and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were reported. These blends are biodegradable, and are used in applications such as energy storage devices, packaging, agriculture, water treatment, and medicine.…”

Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure Homogeneity of Zn-3Mg Alloy

“…On the other hand, casting process demands precise control of melting and solidification parameters as it influences the final formation of metallic phases and grain microstructures. Some of these phases are reported to be hard and brittle while others are softer [2]. This segregation exhibits non-uniform mechanical properties on the alloy [13].…”

“…A common drawback on the use of metallic biomaterials is their very high Young modulus properties as compared to human bone, which may lead to various problems like stress shielding [1]. Still, they are the best options available at the moment since ceramic biomaterials are even stiffer and polymeric biomaterials or polymeric blends are too soft for load bearing applications [2,3]. Due to this limitation, researchers keep investigating other types of potential metallic biomaterials including Mg and Zn based alloys.…”