Effect of the silicon carbide nanoparticles introduction on biological properties of porous polymer coatings

The multilayer polyelectrolyte films (PEMs) seem to be promising coatings to simulate the structure and behavior of the extracellular matrix. PEMs constructed through Layer by Layer deposition of oppositely charged polymers have become a powerful tool for tailoring biointerfaces. Films consisting of chitosan/chondroitin sulfate polymers exhibit a fast biodegradability in the environment of human tissues. Lifetime extension of this material type could be implemented by its structure stabilization through cross-linking or introduction of nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) methods were used to determine the microstructure and localization of the silicon carbide nanoparticles introduced to the extracellular like structure of the polymer coatings. The numerical analysis of nanoparticles dispersion and mechanical properties was verified by indentation measurements. Modified coatings biocompatibility was analyzed by cytotoxicity assays and microscopic observations of the growth of endothelial cells on the material surface. Comparison of stabilization methods including chemical cross-linking and SiC nanoparticles introduction into multilayer polyelectrolyte films has shown that both stabilizers could be useful for biomedical applications. However, SiC nanoparticles application could be limited by slightly lower endothelialization efficiency and risk of cytotoxicity due to their release from coatings.