Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/magnetite Composite Nanofibers Obtained Via Combined Electrospinning and Ammonia Gas-enhancing In Situ Co-precipitation: Preparation and Potential Use in Biomedical Applications

In the present study, we developed a relatively simple way to incorporate magnetic nanoparticles into electrospun ultrafine fibers of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) by combining electrospinning with in situ co-precipitation. Using this approach, we achieved uniform dispersal of Fe3O4 nanoparticles along the fibrous surface. The formation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the fiber surface and the particle size and distribution were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The content of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the composite nanofibers was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Potential uses in biomedical applications were evaluated by an indirect cytotoxicity test using L929 mouse fibroblasts and murine neuroblastoma Neuro2a cells.