In vitro evaluation of modified halloysite nanotubes with sodium alginate-reinforced PVA/PVP nanocomposite films for tissue engineering applications

The Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) surface-modified with sodium alginate were reinforced in the PVA/PVP (Polyvinylalcohol/Polyvinylpyrrolidone) matrix employed for biomedical applications. The nanocomposite films with variable modified HNTs were fabricated using solution casting technique. The physico-chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the polymer blends were evaluated for their suitability for the biomedical field. The obtained mechanical and thermal properties were correlated with morphological studies by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The morphology results were well correlated with the Water Contact Angle (WCA), swelling behavior, and in vitro enzymatic degradation. Overall, the results show that nanocomposite films increase thermo-mechanical characteristics, uniform distribution, roughness, and enzymatic degradation, while their swelling ratio and hydrophilicity decrease. The in vitro cell proliferation and adhesion activity of blend films was carried out using NIH3T3 cells revealed their excellent proliferative and adhesive activity compared to pristine blend film. The in vitro hemocompatibility of the blend nanocomposite was determined using human RBCs. The fabricated blend films can be potentially utilized in tissue engineering applications.