Influence of the Addition of Nb2O5-NPs Synthesized by Green Synthesis in PLA/PCL Polymeric Blends
摘要
Tissue engineering is increasingly being studied as a potential strategy for the regeneration and repair of human body tissues. Among the various polymers used in electrospinning, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) have been the most suitable for preparing nanofibers for biomedical applications. The objective of this work is to evaluate the influence of the addition of biosynthesized niobium pentoxide nanoparticles (Nb2O5-NPs) in PLA/PCL polymeric films. Samples characterization was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), contact angle, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Degradation of the polymeric films were evaluated under UV radiation. The results showed an amorphous structure of Nb2O5-NPs and a semicrystalline structure of the PLA/PCL with presence of the peaks related to PCL orthorhombic. ATR-FTIR spectra showed the characteristic bands of Nb-O bonding vibrations were observed at 870 and 567 cm− for the Nb2O5-NPs, while PLA/PCL films showed bands corresponding to carbonyl groups of PCL and PLA at 1722 cm−1 and 1749 cm−1, respectively. The contact angle showed that increasing the concentration of Nb2O5-NPs did not interfere the hydrophobic of the polymeric blends. UV degradation testing resulted in a decreased in degradation of the blends after the addition of nanoparticles in the range of 1 – 2.5 wt.%. Regarding morphology, as the percentage of Nb2O5-NPs increased, formation of clusters was evidenced and it was possible to perceive that the Nb2O5-NPs were located within the fibers due to the process of their incorporation for electrospinning. Therefore, the addition of Nb2O5-NPs showed potential to design different morphologies of electro spun fibers for further biomedical applications in tissue engineering.