Permeation of biological compounds through porous poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) microtube array membranes (MTAMs)

• Permeation of biological molecules across the membrane wall increased with the increased in porosity.
• Bovine serum albumin (higher molecular weight) has higher permeation rate than glucose due to the higher affinity.
• Porosity of MTAM surface increase astrocyte type cell viability on outer surface of the MTAM.
• Nerve cells inside the lumen of the MTAMs were safe from intrusion of the astrocytes cells.
• Nerve cells are able to communicate with the astrocytes through biological molecules.

In this study, the permeation of two biological compounds through a novel porous poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) microtube array membrane (MTAM) were investigated. Glucose and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were permeated through PLLA MTAMs to simulate the transportation of biological compounds during nerve regeneration. PLLA MTAMs with various porous wall structures were prepared by the addition of porogen. Electrospinning process was conducted to produce solid MTAMs. Porous MTAMs were obtained by washing off the porogen. Permeation of BSA and glucose were investigated by utilizing a home-made permeation unit at 37 °C for both inflow and outflow. The permeation rate increased with the porosity of the MTAM; with the inflow rate faster than the outflow rate for both compounds suggesting a diffusive permeation. The rate of BSA permeation was faster than that of glucose. Fourier transfer infra-red (FTIR) spectra of the two compounds permeated through PLLA membranes were obtained to elucidate this phenomena.

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