title: Development of nanocomposite based on hydroxyethylmethacrylate and functionalized fumed silica: mechanical, chemico-physical and biological characterization.
abstract: In this research work organic/inorganic nano composites were synthesized from poly-2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate and properly modified silica nanoparticles by in situ polymerization. In particular, fumed nanosilica was functionalized with methacryloylpropyltrimetoxy silane (MPTMS) in order to obtain a more homogeneous, reliable and mechanically performing nano composite. For comparison, nano composites with non functionalized silica were also prepared. Scanning electron microscopy was performed in order to visualize the effects of functionalization on the mode and state of dispersion. This analysis demonstrated that MPTMS grafted onto silica surface acts as an effective coupling agent and assures a good dispersion and distribution of nanoparticles as well as a strong nano particle/matrix interfacial adhesion. As a result of strong interactions occurring between phases, a pronounced increase of the glass transition temperature and mechanical parameters were recorded. Finally, these novel nano composites were seeded with murine fibroblast and human mesenchymal stem cells, and observed in time-lapse experiments proving an effective biological response.
authors.affiliation: Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: D'Agostino
authors.forename: Maria Emanuela
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Errico
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Malinconico
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Rosa
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Avella
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schiraldi
mesh_terms: D016475:3T3 Cells; D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002627:Chemistry, Physical / Q000379:methods; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007477:Ions; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000737:chemistry*; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D017646:Organosilicon Compounds; D012821:Silanes / Q000737:chemistry; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared / Q000379:methods; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D020100:Hydrogels; D007477:Ions; D008689:Methacrylates; D017646:Organosilicon Compounds; D012821:Silanes; C005044:hydroxyethyl methacrylate; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; C102833:(3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane