Compatible properties and behaviour of dually loaded electrospun polyurethane bone tissue scaffolds

In this study, composite based on polyurethane (PU) containing lemon grass oil (LG) and zinc nitrate (ZnNO ₃ ) was fabricated using electrospinning technique. Morphology study revealed the fabricated scaffolds PU/LG and PU/LG/ZnNO ₃ diameter was lower than polyurethane. LG and ZnNO ₃ form hydrogen bond with polyurethane as revealed in the infrared analysis. The developed PU/LG composite rendered hydrophobicity while PU/LG/ZnNO ₃ showed hydrophilic nature than PU. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) depicted the decrease in surface roughness of the nanocomposite compared to polyurethane. The addition of LG and ZnNO ₃ improved the mechanical strength of the pristine PU as indicated in tensile analysis. Coagulation assay measurements indicated a delay in the activation of clot and also exhibited reduced toxicity for the developed composites PU/LG and PU/LG/ZnNO ₃ . Moreover, the deposition of calcium in the developed composites were found to be higher compared to the PU as noted in the bone mineralization testing. Hence, these developed nanocomposites with desirable properties will translate them as potential candidates for bone tissue engineering.