Polyester/cellulose acetate composites: Preparation, characterization and biocompatible

The biocompatibility, morphology, and mechanical thermal properties of composite materials composed of maleic anhydride-grafted polylactide (PLA-g-MA) and cellulose acetate (CA) were evaluated. Composites containing maleic anhydride-grafted PLA (PLA-g-MA/CA) exhibited noticeably superior mechanical properties due to greater compatibility between the two components. The dispersion of CA in the PLA-g-MA matrix was highly homogeneous as a result of ester formation, and the consequent creation of branched and cross-linked macromolecules, between the carboxyl groups of PLA-g-MA and hydroxyl groups in CA. The human skin dermal fibroblasts (FBs) seeded on these two novel series membranes to verify the wound dressing characterization properties. With time-dependent course, the FBs proliferation demonstrated a better increasing performance on the series membranes of PLA/CA than PLA-g-MA/CA. The immunofluorescent staining illustrated FBs with normal morphological features. The collagen amount from FBs on the PLA/CA series was 25% higher than that seeded on regular culture-plates after 7 days incubation. With CA content from 0 to 20%, the collagen amount increased apparently and up to the position of CA20%. Otherwise, with PLA-g-MA membranes, the collagen amount showed moderate stimulations. The SEM image presented secreted collagen from FBs on the PLA/CA membrane, indicating the bio-functional properties of these membranes. The above result analysis, this PLA-g-MA/CA composites has good mechanical properties and biocompatible, in the future when use adjusts the formula according to the functionality, may increase the product utility. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012