Synthesis of polythiophene nanoparticles by surfactant-free chemical oxidative polymerization method: Characterization, in vitro biomineralization, and cytotoxicity evaluation

Herein, we report the synthesis of polythiophene nanoparticles (PTh-NPs) by surfactant-free chemical oxidative polymerization of thiophene at 37 degrees C using ammonium persulphate as oxidant. PTh-NPs synthesized without surfactant were compared to those with surfactant in terms of surface morphology, crystallinity, cytotoxicity and some other aspects. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a good thermal stability of as-synthesized PTh-NPs. In vitro biomineralization revealed the nucleation of calcium and phosphate onto the NPs. Cytotoxicity of PTh-NPs was evaluated by measuring cell viability of pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 and PC12 cell lines. PTh-NPs synthesized without using surfactant exhibited better cell viability compared to those with surfactant. (C) 2019 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.