title: Development of mechano-responsive polymeric scaffolds using functionalized silica nano-fillers for the control of cellular functions.
abstract: We demonstrate an efficient method to produce mechano-responsive polymeric scaffolds which can alter cellular functions using two different functionalized (OH and NH2) silica nano-fillers. Fumed silica-hydroxyl and fumed silica-amine nano-fillers were mixed with a biocompatible polymer (POSS-PCU) at various wt% to produce scaffolds. XPS and mechanical testing demonstrate that bulk mechanical properties are modified without changing the scaffold's surface chemistry. Mechanical testing showed significant change in bulk properties of POSS-PCU scaffolds with an addition of silica nanofillers as low as 1% (P<0.01). Scaffolds modified with NH2 silica showed significantly higher bulk mechanical properties compared to the one modified with the OH group. Enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation and collagen production over 14days were observed on scaffolds with higher bulk mechanical properties (NH2) compared to those with lower ones (unmodified and OH modified) (P<0.05) during in vitro analysis. This study provides an effective method of manufacturing mechano-responsive polymeric scaffolds, which can help to customize cellular responses for biomaterial applications.
authors.affiliation: UCL Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Griffin
authors.affiliation: UCL Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nayyer
authors.affiliation: UCL Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Peter E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Robert G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Palgrave
authors.affiliation: UCL Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alexander M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Seifalian
authors.affiliation: UCL Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: d.kalaskar@ucl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Deepak M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Kalaskar
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D053761:Nanocomposites; D017646:Organosilicon Compounds; D011108:Polymers; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D017646:Organosilicon Compounds; D011108:Polymers; D012822:Silicon Dioxide
keywords: Fumed silica; Hydroxyl and amine functionalization; Mechano-responsive scaffolds; Nanoparticles; Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane