Interface design, cytocompatibility, and biological activity of astaxanthin/polyester composites

The structural, antioxidant, cytocompatibility, and biological properties of composites prepared from polycaprolactone (PCL) and astaxanthin powder (ASXP) blends (PCL/ASXP) were evaluated. Maleic anhydride-grafted PCL (PCL-g-MA) and ASXP were used to enhance the desired characteristics of the composites. The PCL-g-MA/ASXP composites had better tensile properties than the PCL/ASXP composites. This effect was attributed to the greater compatibility between the grafted PCL and ASXP. Human foreskin fibroblasts (FBs) were seeded on two series of these composites to assess cytocompatibility. FB proliferation and collagen production on PCL/ASXP composites were greater than those on PCL-g-MA/ASXP composites. Cell cycle assays with FBs on PCL/ASXP and PCL-g-MA/ASXP series composites were unaffected. Moreover, ASXP enhanced the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the PCL-g-MA/ASXP and PCL/ASXP composites, demonstrating the potential of PCL/ASXP or PCL-g-MA/ASXP composites for biomedical material applications. [GRAPHICS]