Development and characterization of (MnZn) ferrite-polyacrylonitrile composite nanofiber membranes for tissue engineering

Abstract This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of advanced polymeric composite electrospun nanofibers (NFs) containing magnetic oxide nanoparticles (NPs). By leveraging the method of electrospinning, the research aims to investigate polymer composites with enhanced interfacial properties, improved double-layer capacitance, and adequate biocompatibility. Electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) NFs embedded with Fe₂O₃ and MnZn-Ferrite NPs were comprehensively characterized using advanced techniques, i.e., Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and alternating gradient field magnetometry. The incorporation of metal oxide NPs led to significant changes in the thermal, spectroscopic, and morphological properties of the NFs. Spectroscopic analysis confirmed increased oxidation, graphitic carbon content, and the formation of new nitrogen functionalities after heat treatment. Furthermore, interactions between nitrile groups and metal ions were observed, indicating the influence of nanoparticles on surface chemistry. Magnetic characterization demonstrated the potential of these composite NFs to generate magnetic fields for biomedical manipulation. Cytocompatibility studies revealed no significant impact on the viability or morphology of human mesenchymal stromal cells, highlighting their biocompatibility. These findings suggest the promising use of PAN-magnetic NFs in applications including targeted drug administration, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment. Graphical abstract