Development of PLGA-PEDOT Mixed Polymeric Scaffolds and Their Impregnation with Natural Extracts Using Supercritical CO2

Abstract

Conjugated materials are increasingly becoming a vital component in the production of therapeutic scaffolds through the creation of foams. This is due to the unique properties they possess that are not commonly found in other traditional polymers used in the industry. This preliminary study investigates the formation of conductive and porous scaffolds of PLGA/PEDOT:PSS and their impregnation with an ethanolic extract of mango leaves using supercritical CO2. The effect of various process parameters, such as pressure, temperature, contact time, and polymer ratio, on the formation of the scaffolds and their properties were studied. The results were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, DPPH assay, and the Folin-Ciocalteu method for polyphenols. The produced scaffolds showed various pore sizes (10 to 100 µm), and high antioxidant capacities and impregnation of the phenolic compounds were achieved. The results suggest that the scaffolds and the proposed technique have potential for various biomedical applications due to their porous structure and antioxidant capacities.