Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffolds Using an Ionic Liquid as Alternative Solvent: Morphometric, Mechanical and Biological Properties. Issue 44 (27th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Da Silva, Bernardo A.; Valério, Alexsandra; Cesca, Karina; Hotza, Dachamir; Gómez González, Sergio Yesid
• Is Part Of: ChemistrySelect. Volume 5:Issue 44(2020)
• Page Start: 14050
• Page End: 14055
• Publication Date: 2020-11-27
• Subjects: Cell interaction -- Cytotoxicity -- Electrospinning -- Ionic liquids -- Polycaprolactone; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1002/slct.202002399
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-6549

Abstract

Abstract: Ionic liquids (IL) are a greener alternative to aggressive organic solvents used for biopolymers dissolution in the electrospinning process. Nevertheless, the effect of IL on the properties of the electrospun materials is still a gap. In this work, we obtain polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun mats using two solvents, either trichloromethane (CHCl3 ) – a conventional toxic and carcinogenic solvent – or 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl), an ionic liquid. The differences between the respective electrospun products were assessed through the scaffold's morphology, mechanical properties and cytotoxicity. The use of IL resulted in the formation of textured thinner fibers, enhancing the surface area in 43 %. IL induced a lower rupture stress and elongation of the mats of 34 and 39 %, respectively, while the elastic modulus and yield stress did not present significant differences. The cytotoxicity assays using L929 cells detected a number of viable cells slightly higher for the scaffold produced with IL. Cell interaction tests also revealed that L929 cells adhere and proliferate on both scaffolds. However, the cell adhesion was higher for the mats fabricated using IL. Beyond the results, this work sheds light on the pros and cons of tissue engineering scaffolds produced with the aid of less hazardous solvents. Abstract : Ionic liquids (ILs) are a greener alternative to be used in the dissolution of biopolymers. This work aims to obtain PCL scaffolds using chloroform and an IL as toxic and greener solvents, respectively. The scaffolds were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical properties and cytotoxicity, giving rise to pros and cons of greener solvents and its used in tissue engineering.