Enriched physicochemical and blood-compatible properties of nanofibrous polyurethane patch engrafted with juniper oil and titanium dioxide for cardiac tissue engineering

Abstract

The demand of biomaterials in cardiovascular application was increasing day by day and its utilization is restricted by its mechanical and biocompatible properties. This paper aims to design a novel polyurethane nanocomposite added with juniper and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) through electrospinning process. Wettability analysis of the composite showed its improved hydrophobic nature and its fibers were of small in size compared to pure polyurethane. Tensile strength and thermal stability of the composite increased compared to the pure polymeric fibers. Atomic force microscopy denoted the increase in surface roughness of PU with the incorporation of juniper and titanium dioxide. Anti-thrombogenic properties of the developed composites were displayed through the delayed coagulation times. Above all, human dermal fibroblast cells were actively growing without toxic issues making the fabricated material as a widely undisputed choice in cardiac tissue applications.

Keywords:

• Polyurethane
• juniper/titanium dioxide
• physico-chemical properties
• biocompatibility
• cardiac tissue applications

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.