Novel Nanocomposites Based on Bacterial Polyester/LDH-SDS Clay for Stem Cells Delivery in Modern Wound Healing Management

Abstract

Nanocomposite materials based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV) and modified mineral clay layered double hydroxides (LDH-SDS) were explored as novel nanostructured materials for potential tissue engineering applications. The mineral clay inorganic phase was modified with an anionic long-chain structure of carbon atoms, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, in order to increase the compatibility between the two phases. The melt intercalation method used for nanocomposite fabrication ensures a good dispersion of the modified LDH-SDS within the polymer matrix without using a toxic solvent (chloroform). The nanocomposites were found to have an intercalated/exfoliated structure with an enhanced Young modulus and increased stiffness. This could allow them to be considered for autologous stem cells dressings in the view of efficient wound healing applications.