TPU scientists create fluoriopolymer scaffolds for tissue therapy

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TPU scientists create fluoriopolymer scaffolds for tissue therapy

Scientists from the Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences together with colleagues from Russian universities have designed composite scaffolds for tissue regeneration and cell therapy based on fluoropolymer doped with ferrous oxide nanoparticles. The study has shown that the derived composite scaffolds exhibit tailored properties, which opens up a wide range of applications in electronics and medicine. The resulting materials were tested on human connective tissue cells and mesenchymal stem cells.

The research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (No. 22-73-00228) and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (megagrant, project 075-15-2021-588), with the results published in the European Polymer Journal (Q1, IF: 5,8).

The development of new hybrid magnetoactive scaffolds based on biocompatible piezopolymers and magnetic nanoparticles is of great interest for medicine, in particular for tissue regeneration. Due to their properties, they enable remote control of cellular functions.

The joint research is an important step forward in biomedical materials design. We have managed to design magnetoactive scaffolds based on polyvinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene. This polymer has high chemical, mechanical and thermal resistance, as well as advanced piezoelectric properties and the potential to be used to create various films and membranes. We doped it with ferrous oxide nanoparticles. The derived scaffolds have a predetermined structure and magnetic properties, driving their potential use in regenerative medicine and therapy," says Roman Surmenev, the research coauthor and director of the TPU International Research Center for Piezo

- sand Magnetoelectric Materials The composite scaffolds have a certain topology. On average, the diameter of their fibers is about one micrometer (human hair diameter is 50-80 micrometers - ed.), and due to the stability of the used ferrous oxide colloid, magnetic nanoparticles are uniformly distributed within the polymer fibers.

The scientists have tested the derived scaffolds by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and piezoelectric force microscopy. The results proved that they have advanced piezoelectric and dielectric properties, as well as high thermal and chemical stability, which makes them promising electroactive materials for generating exogenous electrical potentials that control cellular function.

"We have tested them on human fibroblasts (connective tissues - ed.) and mesenchymal stem cells. The results showed that the scaffolds have no negative impact on cell viability, including when exposed to direct or alternating magnetic fields. Moreover, the cells adhere well to the scaffolds and can be activated by an alternating magnetic field. This opens up new horizons to use these materials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine," adds Alexandra Pershina, associate professor at the TPU Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences and head of the Center for Biological Research and Bioengineering at SibGMU.

The research was delivered in collaboration with scientists from the Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk State University and Ural Federal University.