6-O-tritylchitosan reinforced polycaprolactone nano scaffolds for bone replacement applications-a physicochemical study

Chitosan derivatives are extensive and biodegradable class of polymers as they can be used as a source for the current biomedical applications. The current study focusses to develop the biocompatible scaffold using chitosan derived polymer. The work consist of electrospinning of chitosan derivative (6-O-Trityl chitosan) (CSD) integrated with Polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer. As synthesised scaffolds were characterised for the morphological changes and stoichiometry using x-ray diffraction(XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and the results conform the formation of polymers blended nano scaffolds. Mechanical testing was carried out and tests revealed optimum performance of PCL/CSD ratio at 9:1 ratio. The morphological characterisations show CSD incorporation increases the fibre diameter. In addition the biocompatibility of the scaffold was tested using MTT assay and the results reveal the biocompatibility of the nanofiber (PCL/CSD) obtained. The produced scaffold with improved mechanical property was tissue friendly would be an excellent matrix for implant applications in bone resulting in faster recovery.