Electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride with novel facile synthesized functionalized boron nitride quantum dots for neural applications

The study aimed to develop a potential biomaterial for neuroregeneration by the electrospinning of the biocompatible polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with innovative functionalized boron nitride quantum dots (F-BNQDs) synthesized via green chemistry using the amino acid taurine as a functionalization. The F-BNQDs were characterized and were found to be 16-21 nm in diameter, showed good photoluminescent characteristics, and their elemental composition was confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and ultraviolet spectroscopy. The PVDF with F-BNQDs was prepared at three different concentrations, and the resulting electrospun fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis, contact angle, biodegradation, water uptake, Schwann cell cytotoxicity, and cell behavior studies. The results of the study showed that the addition of F-BNQDs to PVDF resulted in enhanced mechanical properties, decreased contact angle, increased degradability, and water uptake. The lactate dehydrogenase assay revealed that 5% BN-PVDF had the lowest cytotoxicity. Fluroscent 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining showed that the increase in F-BNQD concentration up to 5% BN-PVDF enhanced cell behavior on the electrospun fibers. Therefore, the study concluded that 5% BN-PVDF would be suitable for further testing as a potential biomaterial for neuroregeneration in vivo. Highlights * Functionalized boron nitride quantum dots (F-BNQDs) were prepared using amino acid taurine. * The F-BNQDs were characterized and electrospun with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). * The incorporation of F-BNQDs to PVDF has enhanced its physicochemical properties. * All samples showed a single [beta]phase PVDF. * Schwann cells showed excellent compatibility and cell adhesion on F-BNQDs/PVDF. KEYWORDS electrospinning, functionalized boron nitride quantum dots, PVDF, Schwann cells, taurine
1 | INTRODUCTION Peripheral nerve injuries have the potential to cause total transection of the nerve, necessitating surgical intervention to enable the regrowth of axons from the injured site to [...]