Polystyrene microfibers supported on bacterial cellulose using Solution Blow Spinning (SBS) technique for application in tissue engineering

Abstract

Membranes of polystyrene microfibers supported on bacterial cellulose will be prepared by solution blow spinning (SBS) and tested as scaffolds in Tissue Engineering. SBS of micro or nanofiber leads to a porous 3D structure, appropriate for use in tissue regeneration. SBS comprises a polymer solution injection pump, a collector, a source of compressed air and a system with internal and external nozzles. Among several advantages low cost, high efficiency, high production speed and, in particular, absence of high voltage demand can be cited. The microfibers will be produced on the top of bacterial cellulose membranes, an emerging biomaterial in the treatment of wounds due to its structure of 3D nanofibrils being similar to that native tissues and their high biocompatibility. For the production of microfibers, expanded polystyrene packages will be dissolved in d-limonene, a green solvent obtained from the oil extracted from the orange peel. This solution will be spun onto the cellulosic substrate in order to obtain an additional layer. As there are no studies focused on polystyrene microfibers spun by SBS, this project aims to develop a biomaterial with high added value from a recycled product with the use of green solvent. The obtained microfibers will be characterized according to their morphological, structural, thermal and mechanical aspects. There will also be a cytotoxic study and evaluation of the applicability and potential of the material obtained as scaffolds.