Compatibility and cytotoxicity of poly(ε-caprolactone)/polypyrrole-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) blend films in fibroblast bovine cells

Abstract

Polymer blends, derived from the combination of two or more polymers, yield novel materials with properties distinct from that of the original polymers. These materials have garnered interest in the medical field. However, for such applications the biocompatibility of the material must be evaluated. In this study, we prepared polymer blends from poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and polypyrrole-block-poly(caprolactone) (PPy-b-PCL) using the casting method. The observed compatibility resulted from specific interactions between the carboxylic group of PCL and the amine group of PPy-b-PCL, as well as between the pyrrole ring of PPy-b-PCL and the CH₂ group of PCL. Micro-Raman imaging revealed homogeneity in surface morphology, whereas thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the formation of polymer blends enhances the material’s thermal stability. Importantly, the results demonstrated that the addition of PPy-b-PCL does not affect the cytotoxicity to bovine fibroblasts, suggesting their biocompatibility and potential application in cattle veterinary devices.

Keywords:
biocompatibility; cell proliferation; polymer blends