Electron-Beam Irradiation of the PLLA/CMS/β-TCP Composite Nanofibers Obtained by Electrospinning

Abstract

Nanofibrous materials produced by electrospinning processes have potential advantages in tissue engineering because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, biomimetic architecture, and excellent mechanical properties. The aim of the current work is to study the influence of the electron beam on the poly L-lactide acid/ carboxy-methyl starch/β-tricalcium phosphate (PLLA/CMS/β-TCP) composite nanofibers for potential applications as bone-tissue scaffolds. The composite nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning in the combination of 5% v/v carboxy-methyl starch (CMS) and 0.25 wt% of β-TCP with the PLLA as a matrix component. The composites nanofibers were exposed under 5, 30, and 100 kGy of irradiation dose. The electron-beam irradiation showed no morphological damage to the fibers, and slight reduction in the water-contact angle and mechanical strength at the higher-irradiation doses. The chain scission was found to be a dominant effect; the higher doses of electron-beam irradiation thus increased the in vitro degradation rate of the composite nanofibers. The chemical interaction due to irradiation was indicated by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum and thermal behavior was investigated by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results showed that the electron-beam-induced poly L-lactide acid/carboxy-methyl starch/β-tricalcium phosphate (PLLA/CMS/β-TCP) composite nanofibers may have great potential for bone-tissue engineering.

Enhancing Mechanical Properties and Flux of Nanofibre Membranes for Water Filtration

“…Following that, the product is transported at a precise and regulated pace past the scan curtain. This method has received a lot of consideration for routine medical product sterilisation [58]. Wongkrongsak et al (2022) conducted research on the electron beam (EB)-induced cross-linking of silk fibroin-poly (ethylene oxide) SF-PEO nonwoven nanofibres prepared through additive-free electrospinning in a pure water system.…”

“…A study on the influence of the electron beam on the poly L-lactide acid/carboxymethyl starch/β-tricalcium phosphate (PLLA/CMS/β-TCP) composite nanofibres was conducted by Yusof et al (2020). To reduce the heat produced by the electron beam, composite nanofibres were exposed to radiation at dosages of 5, 30, and 100 kGy (EPS 3000, Nissin High Voltage, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan).…”

“…Following that, the product is transported at a precise and regulated pace past the scan curtain. This method has received a lot of consideration for routine medical product sterilisation [ 58 ].…”

“…Although crosslinking using EB irradiation has not been used in water filter applications, it is worth noting that EB irradiation can transform water-soluble nanofibres into insoluble ones. This is carried out by initiating crosslinking through the free radical reaction pathway of the nanofibres [ 58 ].…”

Comparative Analysis of Polymer Composites Produced by FFF and PJM 3D Printing and Electrospinning Technologies for Possible Filter Applications

“…Despite the long time that has passed since the first papers on electrospinning technology were published, they are still in the testing phase due to the production of new electrospinning devices and new materials with improved properties. Research work largely focuses on the study of new materials [32,37,40], including composites [41], and the properties [42] of the produced objects, such as filtration, as well as composites obtained by combining electrospinning technology and, for example, 3D printing. Moreover, the electrospinning technology can also be used for the production of nanofibers and in the construction of composite materials, e.g., by conventional methods [43].…”