Simple conversion of 3D electrospun nanofibrous cellulose acetate into a mechanically robust nanocomposite cellulose/calcium scaffold

Cellulose and its derivatives are widely used as nanofibrous biomaterials, but obtaining 3D cellulose nanofibers is difficult and relevant research is scarce. In the present study, we propose a simple method for converting electrospun 3D cellulose acetate/lactic acid nanofibers via calcium hydroxide treatment into a 3D cellulose/calcium lactate nanocomposite matrix. The conversion resulted in producing a stronger nanofibrous matrix (1.382 MPa vs. 0.112 MPa) that is more hydrophilic and cell-friendly compared to the untreated cellulose acetate/lactic acid group. The successful conversion was verified via FTIR, XPS, TGA, DTG, and XRD. The ability of the scaffolds to provide a suitable environment for cell growth and infiltration was verified by CCK assay and confocal microscopy. The porous nature, mechanical strength, and presence of calcium make the 3D cellulose/calcium lactate matrix a promising material for bone tissue engineering.