Unmodified medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate (uMCL-PHA) as a thin film for tissue engineering application – characterization and in vitro biocompatibility

• Characterization of unmodified MCL-PHA (uMCL-PHA).
• In vitro biocompatibility of uMCL-PHA with hMSCs.
• Cell proliferation potential of uMCL-PHA films.

In the present study, we developed an unmodified/raw Medium chain length –PHA (MCL-PHA) polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), natural microbial polyester by using cost-effective saponified palm kernel oil (SPKO) technique. The functional groups, elemental composition, phase purity, water contact angle, and in vitro human-derived mesenchymal stromal cell attachment were examined. FTIR confirmed the presence of functional groups corresponding to alkyl halide, alkyne, hydroxyl group, and alkane groups, while XRD and EDX results revealed its phase purity and presence of elements such as carbon and oxygen respectively. SEM and confocal microscope analyses revealed that the bio-material supports cell attachment and this was further confirmed through cell viability assay. In conclusion, the characterization and compatibility studies revealed that this novel scaffold could be a potential candidate for possible tissue engineering applications.