Mechanical and biological properties of chitosan/carbon nanotube nanocomposite films

Abstract

In this paper, different concentrations of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were homogeneously dispersed throughout the chitosan (CS) matrix. A simple solvent-cast method was used to fabricate chitosan films with 0.1, 0.5, and 1% of MWCNT with the average diameter around 30 nm. The CS/MWCNT films were characterized for structural, viscous and mechanical properties with optical microscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, tensile test machine, and microindentation testing machine. Murine osteoblasts were used to examine the cell viability and attachment of the nanocomposite films at two time points. In comparison to the pure chitosan film, the mechanical properties, including the tensile modulus and strength of the films were greatly improved by increasing the percentage of MWCNT. Furthermore, adding MWCNT up to 1% increased the viscosity of the chitosan solution by 15%. However, adding MWCNT decreased the samples ductility and transparency. In biological point of view, no toxic effect on osteoblasts was observed in the presence of different percentages of MWCNT at day 3 and day 7. This investigation suggested MWCNT could be a promising candidate for improving chitosan mechanical properties without inducing remarkable cytotoxicity on bone cells.

Nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering

“…Nanotechnology has made it possible to create structures within the same size as those that constitute naturally occurring bone, opening a new era for TERM. Hence, nanoparticles (NPs) can be used to modify scaffolds properties, leading to enhanced characteristics such as superior mechanical properties and osteointegration, osteoconduction, and osteoinduction . Moreover, NPs can be applied to deliver drugs in a controlled and dependent manner, either systemically or locally .…”

IGF-1 release kinetics from chitosan microparticles fabricated using environmentally benign conditions

“…Thus increased expression of runx-2 and osterix in the presence of IGF-1 accelerate osteoblast differentiation by regulating factors required for the process. Our lab has been involved in improving mechanical and biological properties of chitosan [54-57], and these results indicate that IGF-1 encapsulated chitosan microparticles improve osteoblasts proliferation and differentiation.…”

Low Cost Layer by Layer Construction of CNT/Chitosan Flexible Paper‐based Electrodes: A Versatile Electrochemical Platform for Point of Care and Point of Need Testing

“…In this work we studied the electrochemical behavior of a new CNT ink prepared with SDS and CS, and compared it with a previously described ink, containing CNT and SDS, used as a control. The low molecular weight water-soluble CS we use is a modified natural polysaccharide that displays excellent characteristics as film forming material, high water permeability, good adhesion and viscosity enhancement [63,64,65]. We choose CS because it can be attracted into MWCNT by electrostatic interactions [66] increasing the viscosity and dispersion of the suspension [65].…”

“…The low molecular weight water-soluble CS we use is a modified natural polysaccharide that displays excellent characteristics as film forming material, high water permeability, good adhesion and viscosity enhancement [63,64,65]. We choose CS because it can be attracted into MWCNT by electrostatic interactions [66] increasing the viscosity and dispersion of the suspension [65]. Moreover, the ink can be absorbed onto cellulose fibers [67,68] and allow a stable layer of the nanomaterial over the paper, that otherwise could detach and get airborne, causing health hazards.…”