Abstract:
Poly(aniline-co-ethyl 3-aminobenzoate) (3EABPANI) copolymer was blended with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and co-electrospun into nanofibers to investigate its potential in biomedical applications. The relationship between electrospinning parameters and fiber diameter has been investigated. The mechanical and electrical properties of electrospun 3EABPANI-PLA nanofibers were also evaluated. To assess cell morphology and biocompatibility, nanofibrous mats of pure PLA and 3EABPANI-PLA were deposited on glass substrates and the proliferation of COS-1 fibroblast cells on the nanofibrous polymer surfaces determined. The nanofibrous 3EABPANI-PLA blends were easily fabricated by electrospinning and gave enhanced mammalian cell growth, antioxidant and antimicrobial capabilities, and electrical conductivity. These results suggest that 3EABPANI-PLA nanofibrous blends might provide a novel bioactive conductive material for biomedical applications.