Synthesis and characterization of gold nanotube/nanowire–polyurethane composite based on castor oil and polyethylene glycol

• Polyurethane–gold nanotubes/nanowires (GNT/NWs) composites were synthesized.
• Tan δ, E′ and E″ were increased upon addition of 50 ppm of GNT/NW.
• Better cell attachment was observed in composites containing 50 ppm of GNT/NW.
• GNT/NWs can make a bridge between the pores of the porous polymeric scaffolds.
• GNT/NWs increased the crosslink density of the polymeric matrix.

Gold nanotubes/nanowires (GNT/NW) were synthesized by using the template-assisted electrodeposition technique and mixed with castor oil–polyethylene glycol based polyurethane (PU) to fabricate porous composite scaffolds for biomedical application. 100 and 50 ppm of GNT/NW were used to synthesize composites. The composite scaffolds were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Cell attachment on polyurethane–GNT/NW composites was investigated using fat-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Addition of 50 or 100 ppm GNT/NW had significant effects on thermal, mechanical, and cell attachment of polyurethane. Higher crosslink density and better cell attachment and proliferation were observed in polyurethane containing 50 ppm GNT/NW. The results revealed that GNT/NW formed hydrogen bonding with the polyurethane matrix and improved the thermomechanical properties of nanocomposites. Compared with pure PU, better cellular attachment on polyurethane–GNT/NW composites was observed resulting from the improved surface properties of composites.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide