Engineered polymer matrix novel biocompatible materials decorated with eucalyptus oil and zinc nitrate with superior mechanical and bone forming abilities

Abstract

Electrospun scaffolds based on polymer-matrix composites have gained wide attention recently. A novel engineered biocompatible scaffold is manufactured using polyurethane (PU) loaded with eucalyptus oil (EL) and Zinc nitrate (ZnNO3) using the electrospinning technique. Morphological observations revealed the reduced fibre diameter for the PU/EL and PU/EL/ZnNO3 compared to PU. Contact angle studies indicated the increase in hydrophobic behaviour of the PU/EL whereas an increase in wettability for PU/EL/ZnNO3 compared to PU. EL and ZnNO3 presence in the PU matrix enhanced the mechanical strength. Surface topology analysis showed a decrease in the roughness for the PU/EL and PU/EL/ZnNO3 compared to the pristine PU. Both PU/EL and PU/EL/ZnNO3 showed prolonged clotting time and decreased haemolytic percentage compared to the polyurethane as indicated in their anticoagulation studies. In vitro bone mineralisation testing depicted the increase in calcium deposition for the modified PU samples compared to pure polyurethane sample. Hence, PU/EL and PU/EL/ZnNO3 scaffold with superior properties render full avenues for new bone generation.