Synthesis and Bioactivity Evaluation of Poly (methyl methacrylate) Nanoclusters with Bioactive Glass via a Novel Approach Based on Ionic Emulsion Polymerization and Sol-Gel Process

In recent years, the use of bioactive polymer nanocomposites in the regeneration of hard tissues, particularly bone, has attracted considerable attention. In this study, poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoclusters were synthesized using the ionic emulsion polymerization method. To enhance their biological properties, the nanoclusters were incorporated with bioactive glass, employing ۳-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) as a coupling agent. The chemical composition and structural characteristics of the resulting materials were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and elemental analyses (EDS and MAP). FTIR results confirmed successful polymerization and the presence of characteristic PMMA and silane functional groups. FESEM images revealed spherical nanoclusters with uniform surfaces and an average size of approximately ۹۰-۱۳۵ nm. DLS analysis confirmed a narrow and uniform particle size distribution. The presence of bioactive elements such as Ca, P, and Si in the EDS analysis indicated the formation of a bioactive glass structure. Finally, preliminary biocompatibility evaluation using the MTT assay demonstrated satisfactory biological performance of the nanoclusters for biomedical applications. Overall, the bio activated PMMA nanoclusters exhibit high potential as an alternative to conventional materials for hard tissue regeneration.

کلیدواژه ها:

PMMA nanoclusters ، Bioactive glass ، Ionic emulsion polymerization ، Sol-gel ، Biomaterials ، Tissue engineering