The role of cellulose nanowhiskers in controlling phase segregation, crystallization and thermal stimuli responsiveness in PCL-PEGx-PCL block copolymer-based PU for human tissue engineering applications.

In this research, two groups of polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites were developed based on PCL-PEG-PCL tri-block polyols and cellulose nanowhisker (CNW), as a cross-linker and controller of microphase separation of blocks. The effect of PEG block length on phase segregation and crystallization of blocks was evaluated. The impact of tuned crystallization and hard domain morphology on shape memory parameters was studied in detail.

High aspect ratio phospho-calcified rock candy-like cellulose nanowhiskers of wastepaper applicable in osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs.

The aim of this study was to prepare cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) from wastepaper powder (WPP), as an environmentally friendly approach for obtaining the source material, which is a highly available and low-cost precursor for cellulose nanomaterial processing. Acid hydrolysis and calcification treatments were employed for extraction of CNWs and preparation of novel phospho-calcified cellulose nanowhiskers (PCCNWs). CNWs and PCCNWs were analyzed through optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transformed infrared spectra (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD).

Superficial physicochemical properties of polyurethane biomaterials as osteogenic regulators in human mesenchymal stem cells fates.

All of the cells' interactions are done through their surfaces. Evaluation of surface physicochemical scaffolds along with other factors is important and determines the fate of stem cells. In this work, biodegradable and biocompatible polyester/polyether based polyurethanes (PUs) were synthesized by polycaprolactone diol (PCL) and poly (tetra methylene ether) glycol (PTMEG) as the soft segment.

The sustained delivery of temozolomide from electrospun PCL-Diol-b-PU/gold nanocompsite nanofibers to treat glioblastoma tumors.

In the present study, the PCL-Diol-b-PU/Au nanocompsite nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning process during two different stages to load an anticancer temozolomide (TMZ) drug into the nanofibers. The first stage was the incorporation of Au nanoparticles into the nanofibers and the second stage was coating the gold nanoparticles on the surface of PCL-Diol-b-PU/Au composite nanofibers. The prepared nanofibrous formulations were characterized using FTIR, SEM and TEM analysis.

Gold coated poly (ε-caprolactonediol) based polyurethane nanofibers for controlled release of temozolomide.

In the present study, the temozolomide (TMZ) loaded poly (ε-caprolactonediol) based polyurethane (PCL-Diol-b-PU) nanofibers were fabricated as local delivery systems against glioblastoma. The structure and morphology of nanofibers were characterized using FTIR and SEM analysis. The gold nanoparticles were coated on the nanofibers surface to enhance the efficacy of nanofibers for local chemotherapy of brain tumors.

A novel biocompatible drug delivery system of chitosan/temozolomide nanoparticles loaded PCL-PU nanofibers for sustained delivery of temozolomide.

In the present study, the anticancer drug temozolomide (TMZ) was initially loaded into the chitosan (CS) nanoparticles and synthesized CS/TMZ nanoparticles were incorporated into the synthesized poly (ε-caprolactone diol) based polyurethane (PCL-Diol-b-PU) nanofibers. The synthesized nanoparticles and nanofibers were characterized using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The obtained results revealed that the CS/TMZ nanoparticles were successfully embedded into the PCL-Diol-b-PU nanofibers.

Artificial extracellular matrix for biomedical applications: biocompatible and biodegradable poly (tetramethylene ether) glycol/poly (ε-caprolactone diol)-based polyurethanes.

The cells as a tissue component need to viscoelastic, biocompatible, biodegradable, and wettable extracellular matrix for their biological activity. In this study, in order to prepare biomedical polyurethane elastomers with good mechanical behavior and biodegradability, a series of novel polyester-polyether- based polyurethanes (PUs) were synthesized using a two-step bulk reaction by melting pre-polymer method, taking 1,4-Butanediol (BDO) as chain extender, hexamethylene diisocyanate as the hard segment, and poly (tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMEG) and poly (ε-caprolactone diol) (PCL-Diol) as the soft segment without a catalyst. The soft to the hard segment ratio was kept constant in all samples.

Investigating the role of surface micro/nano structure in cell adhesion behavior of superhydrophobic polypropylene/nanosilica surfaces.

The main aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of different topographical features on the biological performance of polypropylene (PP)/silica coatings. To this end, a novel method including combined use of nanoparticles and non-solvent was used for preparation of superhydrophobic PP coatings. The proposed method led to a much more homogeneous appearance with a better adhesion to the glass substrate.

Affecting the morphology of silver deposition on carbon nanotube surface: from nanoparticles to dendritic (tree-like) nanostructures.

Chemical reduction was used to synthesize silver crystals on the surface of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the presence of acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and isopropyl alcohol as solvent. DMF and sodium dodecyl sulfate were used as a reducing and a stabilizing agent, respectively. The structure and nature of hybrid MWCNT/silver were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM).