Polymeric nanofiber for tissue engineering

Abstract

A polymeric nanofiber with an electrical conductance between 3.25 × 10-5 and 3.65 × 10-5 siemens, and an average diameter between 550 nm and 720 nm, the polymeric nanofiber comprises polyaniline, polylactic acid and brilliant blue with a weight ratio (polyaniline: polylactic acid: brilliant blue) of 1:20:1 and 1:20:4.

Description

POLYMERIC NANOFIBER FOR TISSUE ENGINEERINGCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from IR Patent Application Ser. No. 140350140003002535, filed on July 8, 2024, entitled “CONDUCTIVE AND ANTIBACTERIAL POLYMERIC NANOFIBERS FOR BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING PURPOSES” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an exemplary polymeric nanofiber for tissue engineering, and more particularly to an exemplary polymeric nanofiber based on polyaniline doped with brilliant blue for scaffold engineering.BACKGROUND

[0003] Polyaniline is one of the polymers used in the fabrication of implants and scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Poly aniline facilitates enhanced and expedited electrical signaling among cells within an injured tissue, ultimately contributing to a more rapid healing process. Additionally, the conductivity of polyaniline may be modified to meet specific application requirements through straightforward approaches. To augment the conductivity of polyaniline, various substances maybe incorporated into the polymer matrix.

[0004] Polyaniline has exhibited inadequate mechanical properties essential for tissue engineering applications, particularly when generated as nanofibers through electrospinning. Consequently, it is necessary to utilize polyaniline in combination with other polymers that possess modifiable and superior mechanical properties.

[0005] In the application of polyaniline, a significant limitation arises from the substantial decrease in the conductivity of polyaniline at neutral pH, such as physiological conditions. Toaddress this issue, various substances are often doped with polyaniline, with hydrochloric acid and camphor sulfonic acid being the most commonly used. However, the introduction of these acidic substances within the human body may lead to cytotoxic effects.

[0006] Therefore, there is a necessity to employ poly aniline in combination with another polymer to enhance mechanical properties and also incorporate a substance that does not induce cytotoxicity while possessing the potential to further enhance the conductivity of the resultant polymer composite.SUMMARY

[0007] This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of the present disclosure, and is not intended to identify essential elements or key elements of the subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed implementations. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more exemplary aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. The proper scope of the present disclosure may be ascertained from the claims set forth below in view of the detailed description below and the drawings.

[0008] One or more exemplary embodiments describe an exemplary polymeric nanofiber for tissue engineering. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber may have an electrical conductance between 3.25 x 10’5and 3.65 x 10’5siemens. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber may have an average diameter between 550 nm and 720 nm. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber may comprise polyaniline, polylactic acid, and brilliant blue with a weight ratio (polyaniline: polylactic acid: brilliant blue) of 1: 20: 1 and 1:20:4. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber may comprise polyaniline, polylactic acid and brilliant blue with an exemplary predetermined weight ratio (poly aniline: polylactic acid: brilliant blue). In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary weight ratio (polyaniline: polylactic acid: brilliant blue) may be between 1:20:1 and 1:20:4. In an exemplary embodiment, electrical conductance of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber may bebetween 3.25 x 10’5siemens and 3.65 x 10’5siemens. In an exemplary embodiment, average diameter of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber may be between 550 nm and 720 nm. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary method for fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber with an exemplary wight ratio (polyaniline: polylactic acid: brilliant blue) of between 1:20:1 and 1:20:4, may comprise forming an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution by dissolving polyaniline with a concentration of 0.5% (w / v) and brilliant blue with a concentration of between 0.5% (w / v) and 2% (w / v) in dimethyl formamide; forming an exemplary chloroform solution by dissolving polylactic acid with a concentration between 8% (w / v) and 10% (w / v) in chloroform; forming an exemplary polymeric mixture by adding an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution to an exemplary chloroform solution with an exemplary volume ratio (an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution: an exemplary chloroform solution) of 1:3; and fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber by electrospinning an exemplary polymeric mixture with an exemplary predetermined flow rate, an exemplary predetermined tip to collector distance, and an exemplary predetermined voltage. In an exemplary embedment, fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber by electrospinning an exemplary polymeric mixture may comprise fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber by electrospinning an exemplary polymeric mixture with an exemplary flow rate of 0.002 mL / hr, an exemplary tip to collector distance of 30 cm, and an exemplary voltage of 30 kV. In an exemplary embodiment, electrical conductance of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber may be between 3.25 x 10’5siemens and 3.65 x 10’5siemens. In an exemplary embodiment, average diameter of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber may be between 550 nm and 720 nm.

[0009] This Summary may introduce a number of concepts in a simplified format; the concepts are further disclosed within the “Detailed Description” section. This Summary is not intended to configure essential / key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present disclosure, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which an exemplary embodiment will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of example in association with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates flowchart of exemplary method for fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates image of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates image of SEM of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells cultured on an exemplary polymeric nanofiber and poly (L-lactide) nanofiber at day 1 and 7, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates image of disk-diffusion test of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber and poly (L-lactide) nanofiber against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings related to the exemplary embodiments. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and / or circuitryhave been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

[0016] The following detailed description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the methods and devices disclosed in one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the disclosed exemplary embodiments.Descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments are provided only as representative examples.Various modifications to the exemplary implementations will be plain to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0017] Disclosed herein is an exemplary polymeric nanofiber with antibacterial and conductive properties, and an exemplary method of fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber.In one or more exemplary embodiment, an exemplary nanofiber may comprise an exemplary conductive polymer, polylactic acid, and brilliant blue. “Polymer” may refer to a large molecule composed of repeating structural subunits, typically linked together by covalent bonds. These subunits may be identical or different and result in the formation of a long chain or network structure. “Antibacterial properties” may refer to capability to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. “Conductive” may refer to a material capability to allow the flow of electric current. In one or more exemplary embodiment, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber may comprise an exemplary conductive polymer, polylactic acid and brilliant blue with a weight ratio of 1:20:1-4 (conductive polymer: polylactic acid: brilliant blue). In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary conductive polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyaniline, polypyrene poly thiophene, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and poly (ionic liquid);. In one or more exemplary embodiment, an exemplary nanofiber may comprise polylactic acid, brilliant blue, an exemplary conductive polymer comprising polyaniline. In one or more exemplary embodiment, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber may comprise polyaniline, polylactic acid and brilliant blue with a weight ratio of 1:20:1-4 (polyaniline: polylactic acid: brilliant blue).

[0018] Polyaniline may be a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. In an exemplary embodiment, polyaniline may be an exemplary substrate for skin scaffolds. In an exemplary embodiment polyaniline may enhance the transmission of electrical signals among cells, thereby facilitating cell-cell interactions and potentially accelerating the wound healing process.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive properties of polyaniline may be modified through exemplary straightforward techniques including but not limited to doping and dedoping, ‘doping’ may refer to a process which an atom or molecule (dopant) is introduced to polymer so physical, chemical or electrical properties of polymer can change, ‘dedoping’ may refer to a reversal of doping so an atom or molecule is removed from polymer. In an exemplary embodiment, brilliant blue may be utilized in fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber as an exemplary dopant, ‘dopant’ may refer to a substance (e.g., small molecules or ions) introduced into a polymer to enhance or tailor its functionality in terms of electrical conductivity, thermal stability, optical characteristics or mechanical performance. In an exemplary embodiment, the incorporation of sulfone functional groups from brilliant blue in conjunction with polyaniline may enhance the electrical conductivity of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber. In an exemplary embodiment, brilliant blue may also exhibit antibacterial properties, contributing to the overall functionality of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber. In an exemplary embodiment, brilliant blue may demonstrate negligible cytotoxicity under physiological conditions of the human body.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, polyaniline may lack the requisite mechanical properties for standalone application in the fabrication of polymeric nanofibers. Consequently, it may be necessary to utilize polyaniline in conjunction with another polymer that possesses superiormechanical properties for effective production of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber. In an exemplary embodiment, polylactic acid may exhibit enhanced mechanical strength, thereby facilitating the electrospinning process of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber. In an exemplary embodiment, poly (L-lactide), a form of polylactic acid, may be employed in the fabrication of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber. In an exemplary embodiment, polylactic acid may be employed as a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer in fabrication of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber, in tissue engineering and scaffold applications.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates flowchart of exemplary method 100 for fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary method may include: forming an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution comprising polyaniline with a concentration between 0.5 % (w / v) and 1% (w / v) and brilliant blue with a concentration between 0.5% (w / v) and 2% (w / v) (step 102); forming an exemplary chloroform solution comprising polylactic acid with a concentration between 8% (w / v) and 10% (w / v) (step 104); forming an exemplary polymeric mixture by adding the dimethyl formamide solution to an exemplary chloroform solution with a predetermined volume ratio (dimethyl formamide solution: chloroform solution) (step 106); and fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber by electrospinning an exemplary polymeric mixture.

[0022] In further detail with respect to step 102, step 102 may comprise forming an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution comprising polyaniline with a concentration between 0.5% (w / v) and 1% (w / v) and brilliant blue with a concentration between 0.5% (w / v) and 2% (w / v). In an exemplary embodiment, forming an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution comprising polyaniline with a concentration between 0.5% (w / v) and 1% (w / v) and brilliant blue with a concentration between 0.5% (w / v) and 2% (w / v) may include dissolving polyaniline powder in an exemplary dimethyl formamide (with a purity range between 80% and 99.9%) with a concentration between about 0.5% (w / v) and 1% (w / v) (with respect to a final volume of an exemplary dimethylformamide solution) and brilliant blue powder in an exemplary dimethyl formamide (with a purity range between 80% and 99.9%) with a concentration between 0.5% (w / v) and 2% (w / v) (with respect to a final volume of an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution), in an exemplary container, while stirring, e.g., using a magnetic stirrer or an agitation machine (with a speed between about 1000 rpm and 1200 rpm), for a time duration of about 24 hours at a temperature level of about 18-25 °C. An exemplary container may include, but is not limited to, beakers, tins, flasks, tanks, bottles, buckets, basins, bowls, vials, tubes, barrels, cannisters, etc.

[0023] In further detail with respect to step 104, step 104 may comprise forming an exemplary chloroform solution comprising polylactic acid with a concentration between 8% (w / v) and 10% (w / v). In an exemplary embodiment, forming an exemplary chloroform solution comprising polylactic acid with a concentration between 8% (w / v) and 10% (w / v) may include dissolving polylactic acid powder in an exemplary chloroform (with a purity range between . . . and . . .) with a concentration of between 8% (w / v) and 10% (w / v) (with respect to a final volume of an exemplary chloroform solution), in an exemplary container, while stirring, e.g., using a magnetic stirrer or an agitation machine (with a speed range between about 1000 rpm and 1200 rpm), for a time duration between 3-5 hours at a temperature level between 18-25 °C.

[0024] In further detail with respect to step 106, step 106 may comprise forming an exemplary polymeric mixture by adding an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution to an exemplary chloroform solution with a predetermined volume ratio (dimethyl formamide solution: chloroform solution). In an exemplary embodiment, forming an exemplary polymeric mixture by adding an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution to an exemplary chloroform solution with a predetermined volume ratio (dimethyl formamide solution: chloroform solution) may include adding an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution to an exemplary chloroform solution with a volume ratio (dimethyl formamide solution: chloroform solution) of 1:3 in an exemplary container(e.g., an exemplary solution tank).

[0025] In further detail with respect to step 108, step 108 may comprise fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber by electrospinning an exemplary polymeric mixture. In an exemplary embodiment, fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber by electrospinning an exemplary polymeric mixture may include fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber by electrospinning an exemplary polymeric mixture with an exemplary predetermined flow rate, an exemplary predetermined tip to collector distance, and an exemplary predetermined voltage. In an exemplary embodiment, fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber by electrospinning an exemplary polymeric mixture with an exemplary predetermined flow rate, an exemplary predetermined tip to collector distance, and an exemplary predetermined voltage may include fabricating an exemplary polymeric nanofiber by electrospinning an exemplary polymeric mixture with the flow rate of 0.002 mL / hr, the tip to collector distance of about 30 cm, a voltage of 30 kV.

[0026] In an exemplary embedment, an exemplary polymeric nano fiber may exhibit sufficient conductivity to enhance electrical signaling between cells in an exemplary damaged area of body (. e.g., wound), thus accelerating healing process. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber may exhibit antibacterial properties without cytotoxicity, thus decreasing possibility of bacterial infection. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber may exhibit biocompatibility and biodegradability.

[0027] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and / or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

[0028] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims thatfollow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0029] The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.

[0030] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

[0031] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. An element proceeded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0032] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0033] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study, except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as “first” and “second” and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0034] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it may be seen that various features are grouped together in various implementations. This is for purposes of streamlining the disclosure, and is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed implementations require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed implementation. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0035] While various implementations have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more implementations and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the implementations. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any implementation may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other implementation unless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and / or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the implementations are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.EXAMPLES

[0036] Hereinafter, one or more exemplary embodiments will be described further detail with reference to examples. It will be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art that these examples may be for illustrative purposes only and are not to be interpreted to limit the scope of the present disclosure.Example 1: Fabrication of an Exemplary Polymeric Nanofiber

[0037] In this example, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber was fabricated based on an exemplary process similar to method 100. To fabricate an exemplary polymeric nanofiber, an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution comprising polyaniline with a concentration about 0.5% (w / v) and 1% (w / v) (with respect to a final volume of exemplary dimethyl formamide solution) and brilliant blue with a concentration between about 0.5% (w / v) and 2% (w / v) (with respect to a final volume of exemplary dimethyl formamide solution) may be prepared in an exemplary first solution tank. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution .... may be prepared by dissolving polyaniline powder and brilliant blue powder in dimethyl formamide, followed by stirring at about 1000 rpm for about 24 hours at a temperature level of about 24 °C. For example, to prepare about 1 mL of the dimethyl formamide solution, 0.02 g of polyaniline powder (with a molecular weight: 93.13) and 0.08 g of brilliant blue powder may be dissolved in 1 mL of dimethyl formamide using a magnet stirrer with a speed about 1000 rpm for a time duration about 24 hours at a temperature level of about 24 °C.

[0038] On the other hand, an exemplary chloroform solution comprising polylactic acid with a concentration between 8% (w / v) and 10% (w / v) (with respect to a final volume of exemplary chloroform solution) may be prepared in an exemplary second solution tank. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary chloroform solution may be prepared by dissolving polylactic acid powder in chloroform, followed by stirring at about 1000 rpm for about 4 hours at a temperaturelevel of 24 °C. For example, to prepare about 3 mL of the chloroform solution, 0.8 g of polylactic acid powder may be dissolved in 3 mL of chloroform using a magnet stirrer with a speed range about 1000 rpm for a time duration about 4 hours at a temperature level of about 24 °C.

[0039] Afterward, an exemplary polymeric mixture may be prepared by adding an exemplary dimethyl formamide solution comprising polyaniline with a concentration between 0.5% (w / v) and 1% (w / v) and brilliant blue with a concentration between 0.5% (w / v) and 2% (w / v) to an exemplary chloroform solution comprising polylactic acid with a concentration between 8% (w / v) and 10% (w / v) with a volumetric ratio ( dimethyl formamide solution: chloroform solution) of 1:3. For example, to prepare about 4 mL of the polymeric mixture, 1 mL of the dimethyl formamide solution may be added to 3 mL of chloroform solution, followed by stirring using a magnet stirrer with a speed about 1000 rpm for a time duration about 1 hour at a temperature level of about 24 °C.

[0040] Then, the polymeric mixture may be subjected to electrospinning with flow rate of about 0.002 mL / hr, the distance between nozzle and collector maintained at about 30 cm, and with a voltage of 30 kV applied. Finally, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber obtained from electrospinning process may be collected for further analysis.Example 2: Characterization of an Exemplary Polymeric Nanofiber

[0041] In this example, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber fabricated in “Example 1 was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and two-point probe method. Average diameter and morphology of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber were examined using SEM, revealing a homogenous structure with no bead. FIG. 2 illustrates image 200 of SEM of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In further details with respect to image 200, results from SEM imaging demonstrated that an exemplary polymeric nanofiber synthesized via an exemplary method similar to method 100 has a homogenous structure with an average diameter of 550-720 nm.

[0042] Two-point probe method was used to measure electrical conductivity of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber. In further details regarding two-point probe method, an electrical current was applied between two exemplary points on an exemplary polymeric nanofiber using an exemplary probe, then potential difference between these two points of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber was measured, revealing the conductivity of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber at about 3.45 x 10’ 5Example 3: In-vitro Evaluation of an Exemplary Polymeric Nanofiber

[0043] In this example, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber fabricated in “Example 1” was characterized for in-vitro evaluation including assessment of biocompatibility, cell morphology and cell attachment to an exemplary polymeric nanofiber. For this purpose, Human Derman Fibroblast (HDF) cells were cultured on an exemplary polymeric nanofiber. Additionally, HDF cells were separately cultured on poly (L-lactide) nanofiber as a negative control for comparative analysis.

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates image 300 of SEM of HDF cells cultured on an exemplary polymeric nanofiber and poly (L-lactide) nanofiber at day 1 and 7, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In further details with respect to image 300, results from SEM imaging demonstrated that HDF cells were attached on both an exemplary polymeric nanofiber and poly (L-lactide) nanofiber at day 1, however, HDF cells cultured on an exemplary polymeric nanofiber have shown a higher level of attachment, elongation and flattering. The observed difference may be attributed to the smaller diameter of fibers in an exemplary polymeric nanofiber compared to those of poly (L-lactide) nanofiber, confirming biocompatibility and nontoxicity of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber.

[0045] Furthermore, by day 7, both HDF cells cultured on an exemplary polymeric nanofiber and those on poly (L-lactide) were fully expanded, although HDF cells cultured on an exemplary polymeric nanofiber demonstrated significantly higher level of expansion. This enhanced growthmay be attributed to the presence of brilliant blue, as a biocompatible dopant in an exemplary polymeric nanofiber, potentially facilitating electrical signaling among HDF cells.Example 4: Antibacterial Evaluation of an Exemplary Polymeric Nanofiber

[0046] In this example, an exemplary polymeric nanofiber fabricated in “Example 1” was characterized for antibacterial properties using disk-diffusion test. To perform disk-diffusion test, beforehand bacterial suspension of two strains, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, were prepared separately and cultured on solid tryptic soy broth for a time duration of 24 hours at a temperature level of 37°C. Following bacterial growth, disks of both an exemplary polymeric nanofiber and polyaniline / poly (L-lactide) (as a negative control for comparative studies) were cut to equal size and placed on the surface of solid tryptic soy broth, followed by incubation for an additional time duration of 24 hours at a temperature level of 37 °C. Subsequently the sizes of zones of inhibition were compared between disks of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber and polyaniline / poly (L-lactide).

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates image 400 of disk-diffusion test of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber and poly (L-lactide) nanofiber against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to the figures, image 400 of disk-diffusion test demonstrates that both disks of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber and polyaniline / poly (L-lactide) exhibited antibacterial properties to some extent, attributed to the inherent antibacterial characteristic of polyaniline. However, zones of inhibition around disks of an exemplary polymeric nanofiber were larger, likely due to additional antibacterial effects of brilliant blue.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A polymeric nanofiber with an electrical conductance between 3.25 x 10’5and 3.65 x 10’5siemens, and an average diameter between 550 nm and 720 nm, the polymeric nanofiber comprising: polyaniline, polylactic acid, and brilliant blue with a weight ratio (polyaniline: polylactic acid: brilliant blue) of 1:20:1 and 1:20:4.

2. The polymeric nanofiber for tissue engineering, the polymeric nanofiber comprising polyaniline, polylactic acid, and brilliant blue with a predetermined weight ratio (polyaniline: poly lactic acid: brilliant blue).

3. The polymeric nanofiber of claim 2, wherein the predetermined weight ratio (polyaniline: polylactic acid: brilliant blue) is between 1:20:1 and 1:20:4.

4. The polymeric nanofiber of claim 2, wherein an electrical conductance of the polymeric nanofiber is between 3.25 x 10’5siemens and 3.65 x 10’5siemens.

5. The polymeric nanofiber of claim 2, wherein an average diameter of the polymeric nanofiber is between 550 nm and 720 nm.

6. A method for fabricating a polymeric nanofiber comprising poly aniline, polylactic acid, and brilliant blue with a weight ratio (polyaniline: polylactic acid: brilliant blue) of between 1 :20: 1 and 1:20:4, the method comprising: forming a dimethyl formamide solution by dissolving poly aniline with a concentration of 0.5% (w / v) and brilliant blue with a concentration of between 0.5% (w / v) and 2% (w / v) in dimethyl formamide;forming a chloroform solution by dissolving polylactic acid with a concentration between 8% (w / v) and 10% (w / v) in chloroform; forming a polymeric mixture by adding the dimethyl formamide solution to the chloroform solution with a volume ratio (the dimethyl formamide solution: the chloroform solution) of 1:3; and fabricating the polymeric nanofiber by electrospinning the polymeric mixture with a predetermined flow rate, a predetermined tip to collector distance, and a predetermined voltage.

7. The synthesis method of claim 6, wherein fabricating the polymeric nano fiber by electrospinning the polymeric mixture comprises fabricating the polymeric nanofiber by electrospinning the polymeric mixture with a flow rate of 0.002 mL / hr, a tip to collector distance of 30 cm, and a voltage of 30 kV.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein an electrical conductance of the polymeric nanofiber is between 3.25 x 10’5siemens and 3.65 x 10’5siemens.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein an average diameter of the polymeric nanofiber is between 550 nm and 720 nm.

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