ArticlePublisher preview available

Carbon fiber: Characterization and evaluation of the inflammatory response and toxicity in rats

Authors:
To read the full-text of this research, you can request a copy directly from the authors.

Abstract and Figures

This study aimed to evaluate the Carbon Fiber obtained from PAN textile and cotton fiber in their different forms of presentation: non‐activated carbon fiber felt (NACFF), activated carbon fiber felt (ACFF), silver activated carbon fiber felt (Ag‐ACFF), and activated carbon fiber tissue (ACFT), to obtain scaffolds as a potential material with properties related to the synthetic bone graft. Characterization tests performed: surface wettability, traction, swelling, and in vivo tests: evaluation of the inflammatory response by implanting the materials in the subcutaneous tissue of 14 Wistar rats, evaluation of collagen fibers by picrosirius red staining and assessment of toxicity in the following organs: heart, spleen, liver, and kidney. In the wettability test, NACFF and ACFT were hydrophobic (θ124° and 114°), ACFF and Ag‐ACFF were hydrophilic. For maximum stress, ACFF was more resistant (2.983 ± 1.059) p < .05. In the swelling test, the Ag‐ACFF and ACFF groups showed the highest absorption percentage for the PBS solution and distilled water (p < .001). The organs showed no signs of acute systemic toxicity. The implant regions showed mild to moderate inflammatory infiltrate at 7 and 21 days. Only the ACFT group did not show the maturation of type I collagen fibers in 21 days. Through the conducted analyses, the ACFT shows little potential to be indicated as a possible scaffold. Therefore NACFF, ACFF, and Ag‐ACFF have the potential to be considered scaffolds due to the following characteristics presented: good absorption rate, hydrophilicity, and non‐toxic.
This content is subject to copyright. Terms and conditions apply.
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Carbon fiber: Characterization and evaluation of the
inflammatory response and toxicity in rats
Clarissa Carvalho Martins Maciel
1
| Letícia Cavassini Torquato
1
|
Eduardo Antonio Chelin Suárez
1
| Kauê Alberto Pereira
1,2
|
Maria Aparecida Neves Jardini
1
| Alexandre Luiz Souto Borges
3
|
Luana Marotta Reis de Vasconcellos
4
| Jossano Saldanha Marcuzzo
5
|
Andrea Carvalho De Marco
1
1
Department of Diagnosis and Surgery,
Division of Periodontology, S˜ao Paulo State
University (UNESP), Institute of Science and
Technology, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
2
Division of Periodontology, Fundaç˜ao
Universitária Vida Crist˜a, Unifunvic,
Pindamonhangaba, Brazil
3
Department of Dental Materials and
Prosthesis, Division of Prosthesis, Sao Paulo
State University UNESP, Institute of Science
and Technology, Campus Sao Jose dos
Campos, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
4
Department of Biosciences and Oral
Diagnosis, Division of Histology, Sao Paulo
State University UNESP, Institute of Science
and Technology, Campus Sao Jose dos
Campos, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
5
JMHP Consultoria em Materiais e
Informática LTDA., Jacareí, Brazil
Correspondence
Andrea Carvalho De Marco, Av. Eng. Francisco
Jose Longo, n777, Jardim Sao Dimas, Sao
Jose dos Campos, SP 12245-000, Brazil.
Email: andrea.marco@unesp.br
Funding information
Scholarship for graduate student, Grant/Award
Numbers: 88887.489676/2020-00,
88887.529146/2020-00, 88887.668150/
2022-00; CAPES (Coordenaçao de
Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior)
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the Carbon Fiber obtained from PAN textile and cotton
fiber in their different forms of presentation: non-activated carbon fiber felt
(NACFF), activated carbon fiber felt (ACFF), silver activated carbon fiber felt
(Ag-ACFF), and activated carbon fiber tissue (ACFT), to obtain scaffolds as a potential
material with properties related to the synthetic bone graft. Characterization tests
performed: surface wettability, traction, swelling, and in vivo tests: evaluation of the
inflammatory response by implanting the materials in the subcutaneous tissue of
14 Wistar rats, evaluation of collagen fibers by picrosirius red staining and assess-
ment of toxicity in the following organs: heart, spleen, liver, and kidney. In the wetta-
bility test, NACFF and ACFT were hydrophobic (θ124and 114), ACFF and
Ag-ACFF were hydrophilic. For maximum stress, ACFF was more resistant (2.983
± 1.059) p< .05. In the swelling test, the Ag-ACFF and ACFF groups showed the
highest absorption percentage for the PBS solution and distilled water (p< .001). The
organs showed no signs of acute systemic toxicity. The implant regions showed mild
to moderate inflammatory infiltrate at 7 and 21 days. Only the ACFT group did not
show the maturation of type I collagen fibers in 21 days. Through the conducted ana-
lyses, the ACFT shows little potential to be indicated as a possible scaffold. Therefore
NACFF, ACFF, and Ag-ACFF have the potential to be considered scaffolds due to
the following characteristics presented: good absorption rate, hydrophilicity, and
non-toxic.
KEYWORDS
biocompatible materials, bone regeneration, carbon fiber, scaffolds, tissue engineering
1|INTRODUCTION
Bone tissue engineering (BTE) has focused on treatments of bone
defects considered critical in size, those that do not present spontane-
ous cures. Traditional materials such as ceramics and polymers were
applied as structuring materials in BTE. However, its clinical applica-
tions are limited. Recently materials with carbon-based nanometric
structures have been gaining ground by presenting better properties
such as great mechanical strength, large surface area, high biocompat-
ibility, affordable price, and resource abundance. Moreover, compared
Received: 31 March 2023 Revised: 30 June 2023 Accepted: 5 July 2023
DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35298
1956 © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. J Biomed Mater Res. 2023;111:19561965.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/jbmb
Article
Full-text available
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the carbon fiber obtained from textile PAN fiber, in its different forms, as a potential scaffolds synthetic bone. Thirty‐four adult rats were used (Rattus norvegicus, albinus variation), two critical sized bone defects were made that were 5 mm in diameter. Twenty‐four animals were randomly divided into four groups: control (C)—bone defect + blood clot, non‐activated carbon fiber felt (NACFF)—bone defect + NACFF, activated carbon fiber felt (ACFF)—bone defect + ACFF, and silver activated carbon fiber felt (Ag‐ACFF)—bone defect + Ag‐ACFF, and was observed by 15 and 60 days for histomorphometric, three‐dimensional computerized microtomography (microCT) and mineral apposition analysis. On histomorphometric and microCT analyses, NACFF were associated with higher proportion of neoformed bone and maintenance of bone structure. On fluorochrome bone label, there was no differences between the groups. NACFF has shown to be a promising synthetic material as a scaffold for bone regeneration.
Article
Full-text available
The demand for biomaterials that promote the repair, replacement, or restoration of hard and soft tissues continues to grow as the population ages. Traditionally, smart biomaterials have been thought as those that respond to stimuli. However, the continuous evolution of the field warrants a fresh look at the concept of smartness of biomaterials. This review presents a redefinition of the term “Smart Biomaterial” and discusses recent advances in and applications of smart biomaterials for hard tissue restoration and regeneration. To clarify the use of the term “smart biomaterials”, we propose four degrees of smartness according to the level of interaction of the biomaterials with the bio-environment and the biological/cellular responses they elicit, defining these materials as inert, active, responsive, and autonomous. Then, we present an up-to-date survey of applications of smart biomaterials for hard tissues, based on the materials’ responses (external and internal stimuli) and their use as immune-modulatory biomaterials. Finally, we discuss the limitations and obstacles to the translation from basic research (bench) to clinical utilization that is required for the development of clinically relevant applications of these technologies.
Article
Full-text available
Bone tissue engineering (BTE) has received significant attention due to its enormous potential in treating critical‐sized bone defects and related diseases. Traditional materials such as metals, ceramics, and polymers have been widely applied as BTE scaffolds; however, their clinical applications have been rather limited due to various considerations. Recently, carbon‐based nanomaterials attract significant interests for their applications as BTE scaffolds due to their superior properties, including excellent mechanical strength, large surface area, tunable surface functionalities, high biocompatibility as well as abundant and inexpensive nature. In this article, recent studies and advancements on the use of carbon‐based nanomaterials with different dimensions such as graphene and its derivatives, carbon nanotubes, and carbon dots, for BTE are reviewed. Current challenges of carbon‐based nanomaterials for BTE and future trends in BTE scaffolds development are also highlighted and discussed.
Article
Full-text available
Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) has been increasingly used in cutaneous tissue engineering due to its low cost, ease of handling, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, as well as its ability to form composites. However, these polymers possess a structure with nanoporous that mimic the cellular environment. In this study, nanocomposites are prepared using PLA and titanium dioxide (TiO2) (10 and 35%—w/w) nanoparticles that also function as an active anti-scarring agent. The nanocomposites were prepared using an electrospinning technique. Three different solutions were prepared as follows: PLA, 10% PLA/TiO2, and 35% PLA/TiO2 (w/w%). Electrospun PLA and PLA/TiO2 nanocomposites were characterized morphologically, structurally, and chemically using electron scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, goniometry, and X-ray diffraction. L929 fibroblast cells were used for in vitro tests. The cytotoxic effect was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. Versicam (VCAN), biglicam (BIG), interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and type-1 collagen (COL1A1) genes were evaluated by RT-qPCR. In vivo tests using Wistar rats were conducted for up to 15 days. Nanofibrous fibers were obtained for all groups that did not contain residual solvents. No cytotoxic effects were observed for up to 168 h. The genes expressed showed the highest values of versican and collagen-1 (p < 0.05) for PLA/TiO2 nanocomposite scaffolds when compared to the control group (cells). Histological images showed that PLA at 10 and 35% w/w led to a discrete inflammatory infiltration and expression of many newly formed vessels, indicating increased metabolic activity of this tissue. To summarize, this study supported the potential of PLA/TiO2 nanocomposites ability to reduce cutaneous scarring in scaffolds.
Article
Full-text available
The main challenge for the development of a high efficiency supercapacitor is the electrode material. Developing electrode materials with high specific electrical capacitance and low electrical resistance enables an increase in the energy accumulated in the device. In addition, it is expected that the electrode material presents a simple procedure for preparation having low production cost and being environmentally friendly. This work is based on the deposition of silver nanoparticles on activated carbon felt (Ag@ACF) as a supercapacitor electrode. The samples were characterized by field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and textural analysis. Supercapacitor behavior was evaluated by galvanostatic charge-discharge curves, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy using a symmetrical two-electrode Swagelok type cell, and three different aqueous solution electrolytes: 2 M H2SO4, 6 M KOH and 1 M Na2SO4. Ag@ACF presented a high specific capacitance in KOH, about 170 F g-1, which makes it an interesting material for supercapacitor electrodes and it showed good specific electrical capacitance, low resistance and high cyclability.
Article
Full-text available
This paper presents the preparation and characterization of carbon fiber felt and activated carbon fiber felt from textile polyacrylonitrile fiber. Carbon fibers are usually related to aircraft manufacturing or high mechanical purposes. Activated carbon fibers are known as excellent adsorbent materials. Despite all advantages, carbon fiber and activated carbon fiber are expensive materials because of their raw material cost. On the other hand, in this study, carbon fiber felt and activated carbon fiber felt were produced from textile polyacrylonitrile fiber, which is cheaper than their precursor, polyacrylonitrile fiber, and can be converted into carbon fiber felt and activated material with high micropore content and surface area. This research describes the transformation of textile polyacrylonitrile fiber in its oxidized form. After that, the oxidized material was transformed in felt and, in the sequence, converted into carbon fiber felt and activated carbon felt. The carbon fiber felt and activated carbon fiber felt were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope. N2 isotherms were performed to qualify the material obtained for further electrochemical applications. The main result was the conversion dynamics of textile polyacrilonitrile fiber into carbon fiber in felt form and activated carbon fiber in felt with high surface area and high micropores content. © 2017, Journal of Aerospace Technology and Management. All rights reserved.
Article
Full-text available
Tissue engineering has emerged as a new treatment approach for bone repair and regeneration seeking to address limitations associated with current therapies, such as autologous bone grafting. While many bone tissue engineering approaches have traditionally focused on synthetic materials (such as polymers or hydrogels), there has been a lot of excitement surrounding the use of natural materials due to their biologically inspired properties. Fibrin is a natural scaffold formed following tissue injury that initiates hemostasis and provides the initial matrix useful for cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Fibrin has captured the interest of bone tissue engineers due to its excellent biocompatibility, controllable biodegradability, and ability to deliver cells and biomolecules. Fibrin is particularly appealing because its precursors, fibrinogen, and thrombin, which can be derived from the patient’s own blood, enable the fabrication of completely autologous scaffolds. In this article, we highlight the unique properties of fibrin as a scaffolding material to treat bone defects. Moreover, we emphasize its role in bone tissue engineering nanocomposites where approaches further emulate the natural nanostructured features of bone when using fibrin and other nanomaterials. We also review the preparation methods of fibrin glue and then discuss a wide range of fibrin applications in bone tissue engineering. These include the delivery of cells and/or biomolecules to a defect site, distributing cells, and/or growth factors throughout other pre-formed scaffolds and enhancing the physical as well as biological properties of other biomaterials. Thoughts on the future direction of fibrin research for bone tissue engineering are also presented. In the future, the development of fibrin precursors as recombinant proteins will solve problems associated with using multiple or single-donor fibrin glue, and the combination of nanomaterials that allow for the incorporation of biomolecules with fibrin will significantly improve the efficacy of fibrin for numerous bone tissue engineering applications.
Article
Full-text available
Resumo Activated carbon fibers (ACF) are known as excellent adsorbent materials due to their fast adsorption rate and easy handling characteristic. The ACF can be manufactured from the polyacrylonitrile fiber, based on an usual carbon fibers (CF) production process accomplished by an additional activation process. The aim of the present work is to describe the production, chemical/morphological characterization and application potentiality of activated carbon fiber felt (ACFF) produced from textile PAN fiber, using a set of homemade equipment. The 5.0 dtex PAN fiber tow with 200 thousand filaments was oxidized and used as raw material for felt production. The oxidized PAN fiber felt (OPFF) was displaced in a special sample holder, carbonized (900 °C) and then activated in CO2 atmosphere at 1000 °C in an electric tubular furnace. All steps of the process were performed as fast as possible, and characterization was done by 77 K N2 isotherms, adsorption isotherms in liquid phase, scanning electronic microscope, X-ray diffraction and surface chemistry by Bhoem methodology. The results confirmed the production of essentially microporous (pore < 3.2 nm, centered on 1.2 nm) and 1,300 m2/g surface area. The ACFF produced have demonstrated a strong potential application as electrode supercapacitor.
Article
Full-text available
The aim of the present article was to assess inflammatory response caused by implantation of Bioceramic material in rats’ subcutaneous tissue. Nine male Wistar rats were used (Rattus Norvegicus) to which four dentin tubes filled with Bioceramic sealing cement material and one empty tube (control group) were implanted. Results were analyzed in three time periods (96hours, 10 and 21 days). Animals were sacrificed by anesthetic overdose. Obtained samples were processed by hematoxylin and eosin staining in order to be analyzed with microscope. Results after 96hours revealed moderate inflammation in 75% of all cases and severe inflammation in 25% of all cases. Ten days later, inflammation decreased from moderate (67%) to mild (25%). At the final period of 21 days, moderate to mild inflammation was observed (50%). It was concluded that there was presence of moderate to severe inflammation at initial periods which decreased to mild inflammation at the final period. «Bioceramic» brand material exhibits acceptable biological response in rats’ subcutaneous tissues.
Article
Full-text available
Graphene oxide (GO) and a nanohydroxyapatite rod (nHA) of good biocompatibility were incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) through electrospinning to form nanocomposite fiber scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. The preparation, morphological, mechanical and thermal properties, as well as biocompatibility of electrospun PLA scaffolds reinforced with GO and/or nHA were investigated. Electron microscopic examination and image analysis showed that GO and nHA nanofillers refine the diameter of electrospun PLA fibers. Differential scanning calorimetric tests showed that nHA facilitates the crystallization process of PLA, thereby acting as a nucleating site for the PLA molecules. Tensile test results indicated that the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the electrospun PLA mat can be increased by adding 15 wt % nHA. The hybrid nanocomposite scaffold with 15 wt % nHA and 1 wt % GO fillers exhibited higher tensile strength amongst the specimens investigated. Furthermore, nHA and GO nanofillers enhanced the water uptake of PLA. Cell cultivation, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and alkaline phosphatase tests demonstrated that all of the nanocomposite scaffolds exhibit higher biocompatibility than the pure PLA mat, particularly for the scaffold with 15 wt % nHA and 1 wt % GO. Therefore, the novel electrospun PLA nanocomposite scaffold with 15 wt % nHA and 1 wt % GO possessing a high tensile strength and modulus, as well as excellent cell proliferation is a potential biomaterial for bone tissue engineering applications.
Article
Poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) has attracted more and more attention due to its chemical resistance, biocompatibility and other properties. Furthermore, carbon fibers-PEEK composite (CF-PEEK) has been considered as a novel implant because of its high mechanical strength and elastic modulus that matching with human bones. However, the length of CF has a great influence on mechanical strength and elastic modulus of the randomly distributed chopped CF-PEEK composites. In this work, CF-PEEK composites with more than 10 times length difference of fibers (length of short CF: 150–200 μm and length of long CF: 2–3 mm) were studied. As the results shown, the mechanical strength (including tensile strength, bending strength and compressive strength) of long CF-PEEK composites were more than two times of that of short CF-PEEK composites. Meanwhile, tensile modulus and bending modulus of the two kinds of composites matched well with the modulus of human cortical bone. In addition, according to the results of cytotoxicity test and hemocompatibility assessment, it indicated that the two kinds of CF-PEEK composites showed mild toxicity and no hemolytic reaction. And the histopathological section of systemic toxicity test showed that the CF-PEEK composites had no obvious acute toxicity to organisms.