Biocompatible high performance hyperbranched epoxy/clay nanocomposite as an implantable material

Abstract

Polymeric biomaterials are in extensive use in the domain of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. High performance hyperbranched epoxy is projected here as a potential biomaterial for tissue regeneration. Thermosetting hyperbranched epoxy nanocomposites were prepared with Homalomena aromatica rhizome oil-modified bentonite as well as organically modified montmorillonite clay. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopic techniques confirmed the strong interfacial interaction of clay layers with the epoxy matrix. The poly(amido amine)-cured thermosetting nanocomposites exhibited high mechanical properties like impact resistance (>100 cm), scratch hardness (>10 kg), tensile strength (48-58 MPa) and elongation at break (11.9-16.6%). Cytocompatibility of the thermosets was found to be excellent as evident by MTT and red blood cell hemolytic assays. The nanocomposites exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 11632), Escherichia coli (ATCC 10536), Mycobacterium smegmatis (ATCC14468) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) strains. In vivo biocompatibility of the best performing nanocomposite was ascertained by histopathological study of the brain, heart, liver and skin after subcutaneous implantation in Wistar rats. The material supported the proliferation of dermatocytes without induction of any sign of toxicity to the above organs. The adherence and proliferation of cells endorse the nanocomposite as a non-toxic biomaterial for tissue regeneration.

Toxicity evaluations of nanoclays and thermally degraded byproducts through spectroscopical and microscopical approaches

“…Functionalization with organic modifiers via an ion exchange reaction confers montmorillonite increased basal spacing and separation between its platelets [4,12] as well as better mixing ability, and facilitates its interactions with hydrophobic polymers [3,4,13] . Complementary, its high aspect ratio [5] ensures better reinforcement within the polymeric plane itself [14] by enhancing polymer’s properties at a fairly low silicate content [13] and leading to the formation of nanoclay-polymer-based composites with increased mechanical strength [3,14], barrier properties [3,15], UV dispersion [15], and fire resistance capabilities [3,16], to be used for food packaging [17,18], automotive [19,20], medical devices [21,22], and for coatings-related applications [23,24]. …”

Biocide immobilized OMMT-carbon dot reduced Cu2O nanohybrid/hyperbranched epoxy nanocomposites: Mechanical, thermal, antimicrobial and optical properties

“…However, direct nanoparticles cannot be used as antimicrobial agents for long duration as they lose their stability and functions due to agglomeration. In this milieu, fabrication of nanocomposite of the metal nanoparticles with polymer or immobilization of the organic biocides into such polymer nanocomposites is an advanced technique for destruction of microorganisms by slow release of the active agents [24,25]. This technique reduces the toxic effect of the active agents to the environment as well as provides Materials Science and Engineering C 56 (2015) 74-83 stability to the same with long durability.…”

Bio‐based high‐performance waterborne hyperbranched polyurethane thermoset

“…Epoxy resin possesses many favorable properties like good mechanical and thermal performance, high adhesive strength, low shrinkage during curing and low creep, excellent corrosion and weather resistance with good chemical resistance, dimensional stability and ease of processibilities. [16,17] In this milieu, epoxy with hyperbranched architecture is interesting because of structural uniqueness. Compared with the linear analog, hyperbranched polymer possesses low solution and melts viscosity, high peripheral functionality, and compact dimension.…”