Scalable novel PVDF based nanocomposite foam for direct blood contact and cardiac patch applications.

Scalable novel beta phase polyvinylidene fluoride-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PVDF-PMMA) polymer blend based nanocomposite foam with hydroxyapatite (HAp) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) as nanofillers (ß-PVDF-PMMA/HAp/TiO2) (ß-PPHT-f), was prepared by using salt etching assisted solution casting method. The prepared ß-PPHT-f nanocomposite material was characterized using XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDS. The XRD and FTIR results confirmed the formation of ß phase of ß-PPHT-f. The SEM and EDS results confirmed the formation of high porous structured closed cell type morphology of ß-PPHT-f. It also, confirmed the uniform distribution of Ti, Ca, P, N and O, in ß-PPHT-f. Contact angle measurements performed using sessile drop method with water and EDTA treated blood (EDTA blood) as probe liquids revealed that ß-PPHT-f is hydrophilic with contact angle of 48.2° as well as hemophilic with contact angle of 13.7°. Porosity, fluid absorption and retention investigation by gravimetric analysis revealed that ß-PPHT-f was 89.2% porous and can absorb and retain 139.15% and 87.05% of water and blood, respectively. The hemolysis assay performed as per ASTM F756 procedure revealed that ß-PPHT-f is non hemolytic. Also, the Leishman stained blood smears prepared from whole blood incubated with ß-PPHT-f for 3, 4, 5 and 6 h at 37 °C revealed that the blood cells were not affected by ß-PPHT-f, its surface morphology and elemental composition. H9c2 cell line studies on a transparent film prepared using ß-PPHT-f revealed that the elemental composition of the nanocomposite favored H9c2 cell adhesion and differentiation. All the characterization results indicate that the newly developed scalable novel ß-PPHT-f is hemocompatible and cardiomyocyte compatible, suggesting it as a useful material for direct blood contact and cardiac patch applications.