Functional polymer matrices prepared by electrospinning: Studies of structural properties and biodegradation processes

Abstract

The technological innovation aimed at the development of biomaterials have been contributing to the search for high performance devices and specific functionalities. Especially, the polymers are noted for their properties and processing conditions and the possibility of obtaining composite applications in different application fronts. The research project aims to develop functional materials, based on processes of molecular self-assembly of peptide compounds in matrices of poly([-caprolactone) - PCL, aiming to produce a new class of biodegradable polymer composites with different characteristic properties. In general, linear peptides sequences of RF and FFF RFRF will be synthesized by solid-phase method in t-Boc strategy, being nanostructured later, and subsequently embedded in polymer matrices by electrospinning technique at different concentrations. The biocomposites obtained will be characterized by electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological, as well as by X-ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The mechanical properties will be analyzed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), to evaluate changes in the behavior relating to tensile strength, point of rupture and modulus of elasticity. The study of enzymatic degradation will be carried out by means of processes of weight loss at different aging times in order to evaluate the influence of the peptide nanostructures PCL matrix.