Study of the physical and biological properties of nanocomposite materials obtained with laser radiation

The new method of the formation of nanocomposite materials based on carbon nanotubes for the regeneration of connective tissues has been developed.

Aim. Study of the structure, mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility of the obtained materials.

Materials and methods. The experimental samples of nanocomposite materials were based on multi-walled and singlewalled carbon nanotubes, the matrix was bovine serum albumin. A layer of liquid dispersion of the components on a silicon substrate or in a container was irradiated with laser radiation to form the solid nanocomposite material. The microstructure of the obtained samples was analyzed with X-ray microtomography, the tensile strength was investigated using a testing machine. Fibroblast cells were incubated with experimental samples for 3, 24, 48, and 72 h and then fixed with glutaraldehyde. Cell growth during incubation with samples was studied using optical and atomic force microscopy.

Results. It was found that a slight decrease in tensile strength and increase in the degree of deformation were observed with an increase in the concentration of carbon nanotubes. At the same time, the mechanical parameters of the samples corresponded to the requirements for materials for the restoration of connective tissue defects. Microscopic studies indicate good adhesion of cells to the nanocomposite material, no toxic effect of the samples on the cells was found. After 3 hours of incubation, the cells had their original rounded shape, after 24 hours of incubation cells began to proliferate on the sample's surface and were spindle-shaped. After 48 and 72 hours, the cells practically formed a monolayer on the surface of the samples.

Conclusion. The results of the study show that the structural and mechanical parameters of the developed nanocomposite materials meet the requirements of biomedicine. It was also shown that nanocomposite materials do not suppress cell growth and can serve as a scaffold for the regeneration of damaged tissues.