(266g) Development And Optimization Of Electrospun Poly Lactic Acid Fibers Containing Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes For Tissue Engineering

This research focuses on the creation of advanced tissue scaffolds (non-woven fibrous mats) to provide a functional three dimensional substrate, with enhanced properties to direct human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) down the osteogenic lineage. The tissue scaffolds are nanocomposite fibrous mats incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) into polymeric matrices of poly (lactic acid). Tissue scaffolds were developed through the electrospinning process, which creates a non-woven fibrous construct of high permeability and proper mechanical integrity similar to the scale of the extra-cellular matrix of cells. Tissue scaffold fabrication was optimized by varying levels of MWNT and the dispersing agent in organic solutions of the indicated polymers. Various ratios of MWNT and surfactant concentrations were sonicated to break apart the van der waals forces agglomerating the MWNT, affording homogeneous dispersions in organic solutions without MWNT functionalization. The parameters of the electrospinning process were optimized through investigation of the rheological behavior of composite solutions and SEM analysis of the fabricated scaffolds. Characterization of the tissue scaffolds included image analysis, tensile tests, and conductivity measurements to demonstrate enhanced properties and preferred morphologies. With increased loading levels of MWNT, the mechanical and electrical properties of the composites increased significantly when compared to the neat polymeric scaffolds. The composite tissue scaffolds were also implemented in viability studies with hMSC's. Results showed increased cell viability with nanocomposite scaffolds. Future work will focus on the use of the scaffolds in functional tissue engineering scenarios, with the application of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) across the fabricated scaffolds.