Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Reinforced Electrospun Alginate-Based Nanofibrous Scaffolds with Improved Physical Properties

Abstract

Mechanically robust alginate-based nanofibrous scaffolds were successfully fabricated by electrospinning method to mimic the natural extracellular matrix structure which benefits development and regeneration of tissues. Alginate-based nanofibres were electrospun from an alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polyelectrolyte complex. SEM images revealed the spinnability of the complex composite nanofibrous scaffolds, showing randomly oriented, ultrafine, and virtually defects-free alginate-based/MgO nanofibrous scaffolds. Here, it is shown that an alginate/PVA complex scaffold, blended with near-spherical MgO nanoparticles (⌀ 45 nm) at a predetermined concentration (10% (w/w)), is electrospinnable to produce a complex composite nanofibrous scaffold with enhanced mechanical stability. For the comparison purpose, chemically cross-linked electrospun alginate-based scaffolds were also fabricated. Tensile test to rupture revealed the significant differences in the tensile strength and elastic modulus among the alginate scaffolds, alginate/MgO scaffolds, and cross-linked alginate scaffolds (P < 0.05). In contrast to cross-linked alginate scaffolds, alginate/MgO scaffolds yielded the highest tensile strength and elastic modulus while preserving the interfibre porosity of the scaffolds. According to the thermogravimetric analysis, MgO reinforced alginate nanofibrous scaffolds exhibited improved thermal stability. These novel alginate-based/MgO scaffolds are economical and versatile and may be further optimised for use as extracellular matrix substitutes for repair and regeneration of tissues.

Enriched mechanical, thermal, and blood compatibility of single stage electrospun polyurethane nickel oxide nanocomposite for cardiac tissue engineering

“…Silva et al fabricated scaffold based on alginate reinforced with MgO using electrospinning technique utilized for tissue engineering applications. It was observed that the remaining residue percentage of the alginate‐reinforced MgO membrane was found to higher than the pure alginate scaffolds concluding some residues with MgO were left behind . In our fabricated PU/NiO membrane, the remaining residue was found to higher than the pristine PU which might be the residues of the NiO.…”

Augmented physico‐chemical, crystalline, mechanical, and biocompatible properties of electrospun polyurethane titanium dioxide composite patch for cardiac tissue engineering

“…Further at 1,000°C, the electrospun PU/titanium dioxide nanocomposites exhibited high residual weight percentage of 11.83%, while the electrospun PU nanofibers exhibited weight percentage of only 0.47% which indicating presence of titanium dioxide in the PU. Silva et al prepared electrospun scaffold based on alginate reinforced with magnesium oxide (MgO) for tissue engineering applications. It was observed that the alginate reinforced MgO membrane showed enhanced residue percentage than the pure alginate scaffolds suggesting some residues containing MgO were left behind.…”

Electrospun Alginate Nanofibers Toward Various Applications: A Review

“…The fabrication of multifunctional nanofibrous materials that have different chemical, physical, and mechanical properties by incorporating other components offers the opportunity to develop advanced products for medical applications [49,52]. Due to its low cost, low toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, alginate has been extensively studied for biomedical application [58,62,68].…”