Synthesis of PVC-PEG based bio-enhanced scaffolds modifying with SiO2

Abstract

Biodegradable implant materials are recommended to restore the bone injury and also to overcome the drawbacks of traditional metallic implants. PVC is still often utilized in the production of biomedical devices. This work explores the manufacture of an interlinked porous biomedical scaffold based on PVC using PEG and Chitosan (CS) polymers in order to examine the viability of PVC as a biomedical scaffold. PEG is added and contrasted with CS because it is hydrophilic in nature, non-toxic, antigenic, immunogenicity-free, and has a high level of biocompatibility. The produced scaffolds have undergone mechanical and thermal testing, biodegradability testing, FTIR analysis, and SEM analysis. The SEM pictures showed that the porous of PEG-PVC-2% SiO₂ provides a larger surface area to prevent corrosion when compared to neat PVC. It demonstrated PEGplasticized PVC scaffolds developed micropores as a result of PEG enrichment from the PVC matrix. FTIR analysis shows the presence of functional groups. The maximum stress is 16.5 MPa is found for neat PVC sample; while adding PEG and CS reduced the strength due to the plasticizing effects. Silica filler have been added to PVC and PEG scaffolds to enhance the strength. Though silica improved the mechanical strength of PVC-PEG scaffolds, still it is 10 MPa, close to neat one. According to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), there is no discernible weight loss below 100 °C. PEG decreased the thermal stability of PVC, according to thermal analysis from the DSC plot. The in vitro degrading process confirmed that the scaffolds were highly resistant to corrosion.