Highly extensible bio-nanocomposite fibers.

Here, we show that a poly(ethylene oxide) polymer can be physically cross-linked with silicate nanoparticles (Laponite) to yield highly extensible, bio-nanocomposite fibers that, upon pulling, stretch to extreme lengths and crystallize polymer chains. We find that both, nanometer structures and mechanical properties of the fibers respond to mechanical deformation by exhibiting strain-induced crystallization and high elongation. We explore the structural characteristics using X-ray scattering and the mechanical properties of the dried fibers made from hydrogels in order to determine feasibility for eventual biomedical use and to map out directions for further materials development.

Addition of chitosan to silicate cross-linked PEO for tuning osteoblast cell adhesion and mineralization.

The addition of chitosan to silicate (Laponite) cross-linked poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is used for tuning nanocomposite material properties and tailoring cellular adhesion and bioactivity. By combining the characteristics of chitosan (which promotes cell adhesion and growth, antimicrobial) with properties of PEO (prevents protein and cell adhesion) and those of Laponite (bioactive), the resulting material properties can be used to tune cellular adhesion and control biomineralization. Here, we present the hydration, dissolution, degradation, and mechanical properties of multiphase bio-nanocomposites and relate these to the cell growth of MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast cells.

Assessment of using laponite cross-linked poly(ethylene oxide) for controlled cell adhesion and mineralization.

The in vitro cytocompatibility of silicate (Laponite clay) cross-linked poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) nanocomposite films using MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast cells was investigated while cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation and mineralization were assessed as a function of film composition. By combining the advantageous characteristics of PEO polymer (hydrophilic, prevents protein and cell adhesion) with those of a synthetic and layered silicate (charged, degradable and potentially bioactive) some of the physical and chemical properties of the resulting polymer nanocomposites could be controlled. Hydration, dissolution and mechanical properties were examined and related to cell adhesion.

Tuning cell adhesion by incorporation of charged silicate nanoparticles as cross-linkers to polyethylene oxide.

Controlling cell adhesion on a biomaterial surface is associated with the long-term efficacy of an implanted material. Here we connect the material properties of nanocomposite films made from PEO physically cross-linked with layered silicate nanoparticles (Laponite) to cellular adhesion. Fibroblast cells do not adhere to pure PEO, but they attach to silicate containing nanocomposites.