Biocompatibility of organically modified nanocomposites based on PBAT

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending PBAT with 5 wt.% of modified or unmodified montmorillonites (MMT). Addition of clays leaded to enhancements in the compressive- and dynamic-mechanical properties of PBAT. These two mechanical properties were found to be apparently influenced by the clay dispersion level and chemical compatibility of the organic modifier with polymer matrix. The effect of those nanoparticles on the biocompatibility level of PBAT nanocomposites was evaluated through test of protein adsorption, cell proliferation and cytotoxicity of clay powder. Biocompatibility analyses revealed that PBAT and nanocomposites were hemocompatible and non-cytotoxic. In addition, the organic modifier present in nanoparticles seemed not to affect considerably the biocompatibility level of PBAT. Subsequent cytotoxicity tests of pure clays showed that at certain clay concentrations and at short incubation periods clays did not show important cytotoxicity levels; however, for long periods of incubation time further studies should be performed in order to know accurately at which concentration these nanoparticles could have important cytotoxicity effects.