Influence of TEMPO oxidation on the properties of ethylene glycol methyl ether acrylate grafted cellulose sponges

In this study, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) obtained via high-pressure microfluidization were 2,6,6-tetra-methylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidized (TOCNF) in order to facilitate the grafting of ethylene glycol methyl ether acrylate (EGA). FTIR and XPS analyses revealed a more efficient grafting of EGA oligomers on the surface of TOCNF as compared to the original CNF. As a result, a consistent covering of the TOCNF fibers with EGA oligomers, an increased hydrophobicity and a reduction in porosity were noticed for TOCNF-EGA. However, the swelling ratio of TOCNF-EGA was similar to that of original CNF grafted with EGA and higher than that of TOCNF, because the higher amount of grafted EGA onto oxidized cellulose and the looser structure reduced the contacts between the fibrils and increased the absorption of water. All these results corroborated with a good cytocompatibility and compression strength recommend TOCNF-EGA for applications in regenerative medicine.

Automated summary

The cellulose nanofibers (CNF) obtained through high-pressure microfluidization were oxidized with 2,6,6-tetra-methylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) to facilitate the grafting of ethylene glycol methyl ether acrylate (EGA). The analysis showed a more efficient grafting of EGA oligomers on the surface of TOCNF, resulting in increased hydrophobicity and reduced porosity. Despite a similar swelling ratio to original CNF grafted with EGA, TOCNF-EGA demonstrated good cytocompatibility and compression strength, making it suitable for applications in regenerative medicine.