Magnetic halloysite reinforced biodegradable nanofibres: New challenge for medical applications

The work explores preparation of new biocompatible magnetic halloysite nanotubes (MHNTs) reinforced polycaprolactone/gelatine nanofibres. MHNTs were prepared by mixing halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with microwave-synthesized magnetic iron oxide particles suspension. Electrospun nanofibres comprising 8 wt % poly ɛ-caprolactone (PCL) and 8 wt % gelatine (Gel) have been prepared by using eco-friendly solvent – acetic acid suitable for medical applications. The content of MHNT in PCL/Gel nanofibres was 6.0 and 9.0 wt %. SEM observations revealed that the addition of both, unmodified and magnetic halloysite, significantly affected the polymer mixture spinnability and fibre diameter; however the uniformity and homogeneity of nanofibres were much better in nanofibres with magnetic halloysite. In addition of improved structure, application of MHNTs to PCL/Gel nanofibres resulted in the formation of soft ferromagnetic materials with good response to magnetic field.