Compatible properties and behaviour of dually loaded electrospun polyurethane bone tissue scaffolds

Abstract

In this study, composite based on polyurethane (PU) containing lemon grass oil (LG) and zinc nitrate (ZnNO3) was fabricated using electrospinning technique. Morphology study revealed the fabricated scaffolds PU/LG and PU/LG/ZnNO3 diameter was lower than polyurethane. LG and ZnNO3 form hydrogen bond with polyurethane as revealed in the infrared analysis. The developed PU/LG composite rendered hydrophobicity while PU/LG/ZnNO3 showed hydrophilic nature than PU. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) depicted the decrease in surface roughness of the nanocomposite compared to polyurethane. The addition of LG and ZnNO3 improved the mechanical strength of the pristine PU as indicated in tensile analysis. Coagulation assay measurements indicated a delay in the activation of clot and also exhibited reduced toxicity for the developed composites PU/LG and PU/LG/ZnNO3. Moreover, the deposition of calcium in the developed composites were found to be higher compared to the PU as noted in the bone mineralization testing. Hence, these developed nanocomposites with desirable properties will translate them as potential candidates for bone tissue engineering.