Poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(ethylene oxide) based composite electrospun fibers loaded with magnesium-aluminum layered double hydroxide nanoparticles

Two types of Mg Al layered double hydroxide nanoparticles, Mg Al LDH, at Mg:Al ratio of 2:1 and 3:1were prepared and used as inorganic fillers to improve the mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PLA/PEO) electrospun composite fibers. Their detailed structural characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) techniques. Spectroscopic, thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of the electrospun composite fibers, and cell proliferation on their surface, were examined. XRD and TEM analyses showed that the LDH nanoparticles were 50 nm in size and the Mg:Al ratio did not affect the average spacing between crystal layers. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermal analyses (TA) revealed the compatibility of the filler and the polymer matrix. The nanoparticles considerably improved the mechanical properties of the electrospun mats. The tensile strength and elongation at break values of the composite samples increased from 0.22 MPA to 0.40 MPa and 12.2 % to 45.66 %, respectively, resulting from the interaction between LDH and the polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and MTT analyses demonstrated that the electrospun composite fibers supported the SaOS-2 cells attachment and proliferation on the fiber surfaces, along with their suitable cytocompatibility. • Mg Al LDH loaded PLA/PEO composite electrospun fiber mats were prepared. • The inorganic nano particles noticably increased the stress and strain values of the electrospun fiber mats. • Intermolecular interaction between PLA, PEO and Mg Al LDH nanoparticles was observed. • Mg Al LDH nanoparticles increased the cytocompatibility and mechanical properties of the electrospun fiber mats.