Evaluation of polyphenylene ether ether sulfone/nanohydroxyapatite nanofiber composite as a biomaterial for hard tissue replacement

New Hybrid Nanofiltration Membranes with Enhanced Flux and Separation Performances Based on Polyphenylene Ether-Ether-Sulfone/Polyacrylonitrile/SBA-15

This study presents the preparation of hybrid nanofiltration membranes based on poly(1,4-phenylene ether ether sulfone), polyacrylonitrile, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and SBA-15 mesoporous silica. Laser treatment of polymeric solutions to enhance the hydrophilicity and performance of membranes was investigated. The membranes’ structure was characterized using scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopy and contact angle measurements. The addition of PAN in the casting solution produced significant changes in the membrane structure, from finger-like porous structures to sponge-like porous structures. Increased PAN concentration in the membrane composition enhanced the hydrophilicity of the membrane surface, which also accounted for the improvement in the antifouling capabilities. The permeation of apple pomace extract and the content of polyphenols and flavonoids were used to evaluate the efficacy of the hybrid membranes created. The results showed that the hybrid nanofiltration membranes based on PPEES/PAN/PVP/SBA-15: 15/5/1/1 and 17/3/1/1 exposed to laser for 5 min present a higher rejection coefficient to total polyphenols (78.6 ± 0.7% and 97.8 ± 0.9%, respectively) and flavonoids (28.7 ± 0.2% and 50.3 ± 0.4%, respectively) and are substantially better than a commercial membrane with MWCO 1000 Da or PPEES-PVP-based membrane.

Nanofiltration Composite Membranes Based on KIT-6 and Functionalized KIT-6 Nanoparticles in a Polymeric Matrix with Enhanced Performances

The nanofiltration composite membranes were obtained by incorporation of KIT-6 ordered mesoporous silica, before and after its functionalization with amine groups, into polyphenylene-ether-ether-sulfone (PPEES) matrix. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles into PPEES polymer matrix was evidenced by FTIR and UV–VIS spectroscopy. SEM images of the membranes cross-section and their surface topology, evidenced by AFM, showed a low effect of KIT-6 silica nanoparticles loading and functionalization. The performances of the obtained membranes were appraised in permeation of Chaenomeles japonica fruit extracts and the selective separation of phenolic acids and flavonoids. The obtained results proved that the PPEES with functionalized KIT-6 nanofiltration membrane, we have prepared, is suitable for the polyphenolic compound’s concentration from the natural extracts.

Characterization of a novel nanobiomaterial fabricated from HA, TiO2 and Al2O3 powders: an in vitro study

For the purposes of this study, hydroxyapatite (HA)–Al₂O₃–TiO₂ nanobiomaterial with significant surface properties and biocompatibility capable of forming surface apatite was fabricated by cold-press and sintering method. Samples were examined for hardness and porosity. The results showed that in terms of hardness and porosity, sample A (50 wt% TiO₂–30 wt% HA–20 wt% Al₂O₃) was superior to sample B (30 wt% TiO₂–50 wt% HA–20 wt% Al₂O₃), and also the density of nanobiomaterial was close to natural bone density. Bioactivity of the samples in a simulated body fluid (SBF) was investigated. Then, after immersing the samples in SBF solution for a period of 7 days, sample B exhibited greater ability to form calcium phosphate compounds on the surface as compared to sample A. In addition, in vitro studies showed that MG-67 osteoblast-like cells attached and spread on the samples surface. The results showed that cells proliferated in greater numbers on the sample B as compared to the sample A. Finally, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were performed to identify phases, study microstructure, and determine percentage of elements, respectively. The results revealed that considering their different properties, both nanobiomaterials can be used in medical applications.