Polyamide 6 composite membranes: Properties and in vitro biocompatibility evaluation

The aim of the present study was to develop polyamide 6 membrane blended wi th gelatin and chondroitin sulfate using the phase precipitation method and evaluate its in vitro biocompatibility. Morphology of membranes was studie d by laser scanning confocal microscopy which allowed the nondestructive vi sualization of internal bulk morphology of membranes. Membranes exhibited p orous morphology with pores spanning across the membrane width with interco nnections at various depths. Membranes showed adequate mechanical propertie s with tensile strengths of 20.10 +/- 0.63 MPa, % strain of 3.01 +/-0.07. a nd modulus of 1082.50 +/- 23.50 MPa. In vitro biocompatibility of membranes by direct contact test did not show degenerative effects on NIH3T3 cells a nd also its leach-out products (LOP), as determined by tetrazolium (MTT) an d neutral red uptake (NRU) assay. Mouse peritoneal macrophage cultured in c ontact with membranes and PTFE control showed comparable expression of acti vation markers such as CD11b/CD18, CD45, CD14, and CD86 suggesting the memb ranes non-activating nature. Membrane LOP did not induce excessive prolifer ation of mouse splenocytes suggesting its non-antigenic nature. Preliminary blood compatibility of membranes was observed with no detectable hemolysis in static incubation assay. Taken collectively, the present data demonstra te that polyamide 6 composite membranes are biocompatible and prospective c andidates for tissue engineering applications.