Investigation of PLA/ZnO nanofibers for piezoelectric and nerve regeneration applications
Publication Date
5-1-2025
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Sensors and Actuators A: Physical
Volume
386
DOI
10.1016/j.sna.2025.116340
Abstract
This study examines the preparation and characterization of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) composite nanofibrous mats with ZnO concentrations of 0, 1, 5, and 10 wt% produced via electrospinning. The effects of varying ZnO concentrations on the properties of PLA nanofibrous mats are investigated for potential applications in biomedical wireless electrical stimulators. Scanning electron microscopy confirms successful nanofiber production, with significant variations in fiber diameters based on ZnO content; the average diameter decreases with increasing ZnO concentration, especially in PLA-ZnO 10 % nanofibers. ZnO nanoparticles enhances the mechanical strength and stiffness of the scaffolds, as shown by increased ultimate stress and modulus values, while ultimate and locking strain values decrease. Electromechanical tests indicate that higher ZnO concentrations improve piezoelectric performance, with PLA-ZnO 5 % scaffolds showing optimal characteristics for nerve regeneration applications due to their balance of biocompatibility and electrical output. Biological assessments with PC12 cells reveal that up to 5 wt% of ZnO nanoparticles promote a favorable environment for nerve cell proliferation.
Keywords
Electromechanical coupling response, Nerve regeneration, Piezoelectric PLA-ZnO nanofibers, Wireless electrical stimulator
Department
Aviation and Technology; Mechanical Engineering
Recommended Citation
Meysam Moezzi, Meghdad Kamali Moghaddam, Jafar Rahimzadeh, Marzieh Ranjbar-Mohammadi, and Fred Barez. "Investigation of PLA/ZnO nanofibers for piezoelectric and nerve regeneration applications" Sensors and Actuators A: Physical (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2025.116340
