Physico-chemical and mechanical properties of novel electrospun polyurethane composite with enhanced blood compatibility

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to fabricate an electrospun scaffold by combining radish (Ra) and cerium oxide (CeO₂) into a polyurethane (PU) matrix through electrospinning and investigate its feasibility for cardiac applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Physicochemical properties were analysed through various characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared transforms analysis (FTIR), contact angle measurements, thermal analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and mechanical testing. Further, blood compatibility assessments were carried out through activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) and hemolysis assay to evaluate the anticoagulant nature.

Findings

PU/Ra and PU/Ra/CeO₂ exhibited a smaller fibre diameter than PU. Ra and CeO₂ were intercalated in the polyurethane matrix which was evidenced in the infrared analysis by hydrogen bond formation. PU/Ra composite exhibited hydrophilic nature whereas PU/Ra/CeO₂ composite turned hydrophobic. Surface measurements depicted the lowered surface roughness for the PU/Ra and PU/Ra/CeO₂ compared to the pristine PU. PU/Ra and PU/Ra/CeO₂ displayed enhanced degradation rates and improved mechanical strength than the pristine PU. The blood compatibility assay showed that the PU/Ra and PU/Ra/CeO₂ had delayed blood coagulation times and rendered less toxicity against red blood cells (RBC’s) than PU.

Originality/value

This is the first report on the use of radish/cerium oxide in cardiac applications. The developed composite (PU/Ra and PU/Ra/CeO₂) with enhanced mechanical and anticoagulant nature will serve as an indisputable candidate for cardiac tissue regeneration.

Citation

Mani, M.P. and Jaganathan, S.K. (2022), "Physico-chemical and mechanical properties of novel electrospun polyurethane composite with enhanced blood compatibility", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 51 No. 1, pp. 53-59. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-07-2020-0072