Fabrication and optimization of methylphenoxy substituted polyphosphazene nanofibers for biomedical applications

Biomacromolecules. 2004 Nov-Dec;5(6):2212-20. doi: 10.1021/bm049759j.

Abstract

Electrospinning has developed as a unique and versatile process to fabricate ultrathin fibers in the form of nonwoven meshes or as oriented arrays from a variety of polymers. The very small dimension of these fibers can generate a high surface area, which makes them potential candidates for various biomedical and industrial applications. The objective of the present study was to develop nanofibers from polyphosphazenes, a class of inorganic-organic polymers known for high biocompatibility, high-temperature stability, and low-temperature flexibility. Specifically, we evaluated the feasibility of developing bead-free nonwoven nanofiber mesh from poly[bis(p-methylphenoxy)phosphazene] (PNmPh) by electrospinning. The effect of process parameters such as nature of solvent, concentration of the polymer solution, effect of needle diameter, and applied potential on the diameter and morphology (beaded or bead-free) of resulting nanofibers were investigated. It was found that solution of PNmPh in chloroform at a concentration range of 7% (wt/v) to 9% (wt/v) can be readily electrospun to form bead-free fibers at room temperature. The mean diameter of the fibers obtained under optimized spinning condition was found to be approximately 1.2 microm. The bead-free, cylindrical nanofibers formed under the optimized condition showed a slightly irregular surface topography with indentations of a few nanometer scale. Further, the electrospun nanofiber mats supported the adhesion of bovine coronary artery endothelial cells (BCAEC) as well as promoted the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast like MC3T3-E1 cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Cattle
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Chloroform
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Electrophysiology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Models, Chemical
  • Nanotechnology
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / chemistry*
  • Osteoblasts / cytology
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Solvents
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • Polymers
  • Solvents
  • poly(phosphazene)
  • Chloroform