Effects of micro and nano β‐TCP fillers in freeze‐gelled chitosan scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Tissue engineering holds an exciting promise in providing a long‐term cure to bone‐related defects and diseases. However, one of the most important prerequisites for bone tissue engineering is an ideal platform that can aid tissue genesis by having biomimetic, mechanostable, and cytocompatible characteristics. Chitosan (CS) was chosen as the base polymer to incorporate filler, namely beta‐tri calcium phosphate (β‐TCP). This research deals with a comparative study on the properties of CS scaffolds prepared using micro‐ and nano‐sized β‐TCP as filler by freeze gelation method. The scaffolds were characterized for their morphology, porosity, swelling, structural, chemical, biodegradation, and bioresorption properties. Rheological behavior of polymer and polymer‐ceramic composite suspensions were analyzed and all the suspensions with varying ratios of β‐TCP showed non‐Newtonian behavior with shear thinning property. Pore size, porosity of micro‐ and nano‐sized composite scaffolds are measured as 48–158 μm and 77% and 43–155 μm and 81%, respectively. The scaffolds containing nano β‐TCP possess higher compressive strength (～2.67 MPa) and slower degradation rate as compared to composites prepared with micro‐sized β‐TCP (～1.52 MPa). Bioresorbability, in vitro cell viability by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, proliferation by Alamar blue assay, cell interaction by scanning electron microscope, and florescence microscopy further validates the potentiality of freeze‐gelled CS/β‐TCP composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41025.     

Effect of Solvent on Nanoparticle Production of β‐Carotene by a Supercritical Antisolvent Process

Production of micro‐ to nano‐sized particles of β‐carotene was investigated by means of solution‐enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids (SEDS). β‐Carotene was dissolved in dichloromethane (DCM), N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), n‐hexane, or ethyl acetate, and supercritical CO₂ served as an antisolvent. The effects of the organic solvents, operating pressure, and temperature were examined. The morphologies of the particles produced by the SEDS were observed by field emission‐scanning electron microscopy and particle sizes were determined by image analysis. Irregularly shaped microparticles were produced in the system with DCM and DMF solution. Plate‐like microparticles were generated by using n‐hexane solution and irregular nanoparticles by ethyl acetate solution. The optimum operating conditions were found to be ethyl acetate as solvent in a defined pressure and temperature range.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(γ‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane)‐grafted silica hybrid nanoparticles prepared by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization

Poly(γ‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) (PMPTS)‐grafted silica hybrid nanoparticles were prepared by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP). The resulting PMPTS‐grafted silica hybrid nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), static water contact angle (WCA) measurement, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Combined FTIRS, NMR, XPS, SEM, and TGA studies confirmed that these hybrid nanoparticles were successfully prepared by surface‐initiated ATRP. SEM and AFM studies revealed that the surfaces of the nanoparticles were rough at the nanoscale. In addition, the results of the static WCA measurements showed that the nanoparticles are of low surface energy and their surface energy reaches as low as 6.10 mN m^?1. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Effect of β‐cyclodextrin on the solid‐state synthesized polyaniline doped with hydrochloric acid

Polyaniline (PANI) salts doped with hydrochloric acid were prepared by using solid‐state polymerization in the presence of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) at room temperature. The fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectra, X‐ray diffraction patterns were used to characterize the molecular structures of these polymers. Cyclic voltammetry study and conductivity measurements were done to investigate their electrochemical behaviors. The morphology of polymers was studied by the scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that PANI salts prepared in the presence of β‐CD had different physicochemical characteristics compared with PANI salt prepared in the absence of β‐CD. When the molar ratio of aniline to β‐CD was 80/20, the obtained PANI salt displayed higher crystallinity, conductivity and electrochemical properties. However, these properties were opposite on condition that the molar ratio of aniline to β‐CD was 50/50. The results also revealed that the morphology of PANI salt was affected by β‐CD, especially at aniline/β‐CD molar ratio in the feed of 50/50, in which PANI salt displayed rodlike structure morphology with a diameter of near 80–100 nm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

A novel highly efficient β‐nucleating agent for polypropylene using nano‐CaCO3 as a support

In order to increase the isotactic content of β‐nucleated polypropylene (β‐iPP) and decrease the cost of its production, the investigation and development of novel highly efficient β‐nucleators are important issues. Nano‐CaCO₃ was used as a support to prepare a supported β‐nucleator, nano‐CaCO₃‐supported calcium pimelate. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis shows that an in situ chemical reaction takes place between nano‐CaCO₃ and pimelic acid. Differential scanning calorimetry results indicate that the crystallization and melting temperatures of β‐phase in supported β‐nucleator‐nucleated iPP are higher than those of calcium pimelate‐nucleated iPP. The β‐nucleating ability of the supported β‐nucleator is little influenced by the cooling rate and crystallization temperature over a wide range. The decreased content of pimelic acid in the supported β‐nucleator slightly decreases the crystallization temperature of iPP but it has no influence on the content of β‐phase in nucleated iPP. A novel supported β‐nucleator has been successfully synthesized via pimelic acid supported on the surface of CaCO₃. The crystallization temperature of iPP and melting temperature of β‐phase in iPP nucleated using the supported β‐nucleator are higher than those of iPP nucleated using calcium pimelate. The concept of a supported nucleator will provide a new way to increase the efficiency of polymer additives and to decrease the amounts of them that need to be used by using nanoparticles as supports. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nanoparticles based on β‐conglycinin and chitosan: Self‐assembly,characterization, and drug delivery

The purpose of this study was to fabricate and evaluate nanoparticles based on β‐conglycinin (7S) and chitosan (CS) to deliver 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). The nanoparticles were prepared with a self‐assembly method. Turbidity measurements performed at 600 nm were used to investigate the formation of the nanoparticles as a function of the pH, 7S‐to‐CS mass ratio, and total concentration of 7S and CS. The optimum conditions for the preparation of the nanoparticles were a pH of 5.5, a 7S‐to‐CS mass ratio of 4 : 1, and total concentration of 7S and CS of 9 mg/mL. Under these conditions, the nanoparticles in solution had a high turbidity and good stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the nanoparticles were formed mainly through electrostatic interactions between the amine groups (? NH₃⁺) of CS and the carboxyl groups (? COO^?) of 7S. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs and dynamic light scattering analysis showed that the nanoparticles had an approximately spherical morphology with a smooth surface, and the mean particle size was about 120 nm with a narrow size distribution. The release of 5‐FU showed an initial burst release followed by a sustained release, and the release was pH‐dependent. The release mechanism of 5‐FU was Fickian diffusion according to the Ritger–Peppas model. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41963.     

Synthesis,physical properties,and characterization of starch‐based blend films by adding nano‐sized TiO2/poly(methyl metacrylate‐co‐acrylamide)

The purpose of this study was to improve the physical properties and to expand the application range of starch‐based blend films added nano‐sized TiO₂/poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylamide) (PMMA‐co‐AM). Starch‐based blend films were prepared by using corn starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), nano‐sized PMMA‐co‐AM, nano‐sized TiO₂/PMMA‐co‐AM particles, and additives, i.e., glycerol (GL) and citric acid (CA). Nano‐sized PMMA‐co‐AM was synthesized by emulsion polymerization and TiO₂ nanoparticles were also prepared by using sol–gel method. Nano‐sized TiO₂/PMMA‐co‐AM particles were synthesized by wet milling for 48 h. The morphology and crystallinity of TiO₂, nano‐sized PMMA‐co‐AM and TiO₂/PMMA‐co‐AM particles were investigated by using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD). In addition, the functional groups of the TiO₂/PMMA‐co‐AM particles were characterized by IR spectrophotometry (FTIR). The physical properties such as tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (%E), degree of swelling (DS), and solubility (S) of starch‐based films were evaluated. It was found that the adding of nano‐sized particles can greatly improve the physical properties of the prepared films. The photocatalytic degradability of starch/PVA/nano‐sized TiO₂/PMMA‐co‐AM composite films was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) and acetaldehyde (ATA) as photodegradation target under UV and visible light. The degree of decomposition (C/C₀) of MB and ATA for the films containing TiO₂ and CA was 0.506 and 0.088 under UV light irradiation and 0.586 (MB) and 0.631 (ATA) under visible light irradiation, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Variation of non‐isothermal crystallization behavior of isotactic polypropylene with varying β‐nucleating agent content

The non‐isothermal crystallization behavior, the crystallization kinetics, the crystallization activation energy and the morphology of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) with varying content of β‐nucleating agent were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The DSC results showed that the Avrami equation modified by Jeziorny and a method developed by Mo and co‐workers could be successfully used to describe the non‐isothermal crystallization process of the nucleated iPPs. The values of n showed that the non‐isothermal crystallization of α‐ and β‐nucleated iPPs corresponded to a tridimensional growth with homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation, respectively. The values of crystallization rate constant showed that the rate of crystallization decreased for iPPs with the addition of β‐nucleating agent. The crystallization activation energy increased with a small amount (less than 0.1 wt%) of β‐nucleating agent and decreased with higher concentration (more than 0.1 wt%). The changes of crystallization rate, crystallization time and crystallization activation energy of iPPs with varying contents of β‐nucleating agent were mainly determined by the ratio of the content of α‐ and β‐phase in iPP (α‐PP and β‐PP) from the DSC investigation, and the large size and many intercrossing lamellae between boundaries of β‐spherulites for iPPs with small amounts of β‐nucleating agent and the small size and few intercrossing bands among the boundaries of β‐spherulites for iPPs with large amounts of β‐nucleating agent from the SEM examination. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

A novel β‐nucleating agent for isotactic polypropylene

The nucleating ability of p‐cyclohexylamide carboxybenzene (β‐NA) towards isotactic polypropylene (iPP) was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, polarized optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. β‐NA is identified to have dual nucleating ability for α‐iPP and β‐iPP under appropriate kinetic conditions. The formation of β‐iPP is dependent on the content of β‐NA. The content of β‐phase can reach as high as 96.96% with the addition of only 0.05 wt% β‐NA. Under non‐isothermal crystallization the content of β‐iPP increases with increasing cooling rate. The maximum β‐crystal content is obtained at a cooling rate of 40 °C min^–1. The supermolecular structure of the β‐iPP is identified as a leaf‐like transcrystalline structure with an ordered lamellae arrangement perpendicular to the special surface of β‐NA. Under isothermal crystallization β‐crystals can be formed in the temperature range 80–140 °C. The content of β‐crystals reaches its maximum value at a crystallization temperature of 130 °C. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis of chitosan‐graft‐β‐cyclodextrin for improving the loading and release of doxorubicin in the nanopaticles

Chitosan‐graft‐β‐cyclodextrin (CS‐g‐β‐CD) copolymer was synthesized by conjugating β‐cyclodextrins to chitosan molecules through click chemistry. The copolymer structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). CS‐g‐β‐CD/CMC nanoparticles were prepared by a polyelectrolyte complexation process in aqueous solution between CS‐g‐β‐CD copolymer and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), which was used to load anticancer drug (Doxorubicin hydrochloride, DOX·HCl) with hydrophobic group. The particle size, surface charge, zeta potential, and morphology of the nanoparticles were characterized with dynamic light scattering. The drug loading efficiency and in vitro release of DOX·HCl of the nanoparticles were measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The results demonstrated that the size, surface charge and drug loading efficiency of the nanoparticles could be modulated by the fabrication conditions. The drug loading efficiency of CS‐g‐β‐CD/CMC nanoparticles was improved from 52.7% to 88.1% because of the presence of β‐CD moieties with hydrophobic cavities, which can form inclusion complexes with the drug molecules. The in vitro release results showed that the CS‐g‐β‐CD/CMC nanoparticles released DOX·HCl in a controlled manner, importantly overcoming the initial burst effect. These nanoparticles possess much potential to be developed as anticancer drug delivery systems, especially those drugs with hydrophobic group. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41034.     

Concentrated emulsion polymerization for preparation of β‐cyclodextrin‐supported chromatography columns

Concentrated inverse emulsion polymerization was used for making chromatography columns (based on crosslinked polystyrene divinylbenzene (PS‐DVB)) with pore sizes less than 10 μm. According to DSC‐thermal gravimetry thermograms, it was confirmed that the residual monomer concentration after polymerization process is negligible. For application of these columns in chiral chromatography, the β‐cyclodextrin is chemically fixed on the PS‐DVB resin pore surface. The presence of hydroxyl groups in the PS‐DVB resin after chemical modification was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. By chemical modification of the PS‐DVB resin, thermal stability increased up to 446°C. The structure of columns was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM evaluations showed that the porous structure of PS‐DVB resin was maintained intact after the chemical modification with β‐cyclodextrin. According to X‐ray data, presence of the crystalline domain that is related to β‐cyclodextrin is confirmed.© 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 857–863, 2006     

Preparation and characterization of poly{[α‐maleic anhydride‐ω‐methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol)]‐co‐(ethyl cyanoacrylate)} copolymer nanoparticles

Poly{[α‐maleic anhydride‐ω‐methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol)]‐co‐(ethyl cyanoacrylate)} (PEGECA) copolymers were prepared by radical polymerization of macromolecular poly(ethylene glycol) monomers (PEGylated) and ethyl 2‐cyanoacrylate in solvent. The structures of the copolymer were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H‐NMR). The morphology and size of the PEGECA nanoparticles prepared by nanoprecipitation techniques were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) methods. The results show that the PEGECA can self‐assemble into highly stable nanoparticles in aqueous media, and inner core and outer shell morphology. The size of the nanoparticles was strongly influenced by the solvent character and the copolymer concentration in the organic solvents. A hydrophobic drug, ibuprofen, was effectively incorporated into the nanoparticles, which provides a delivery system for ibuprofen and other hydrophobic compounds. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis of sulfated β‐cyclodextrin/cotton/ZnO nano composite for improve the antibacterial activity and dyeability with Azadirachta indica

The sulfated β‐cyclodextrin (sb‐cd) was prepared from β‐cyclodextrin and the sb‐cd was crosslinked with cotton fabric using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as crosslinker. After crosslinking, the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were padded on this fabric surface. Then, the treated fabrics were dyed with neem extract. The synthesized polymer, crosslinked and nanoparticle‐treated cotton fabrics were characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), particle sized analyzer, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The antibacterial test was done against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterium. The composite coated with neem dyed cotton fabric has exhibited 71% of dye uptake with 2–3 fastness grade and it has 99% of antibacterial efficiency for S. aureus and 97% for E. coli bacterium. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Highly active thermally stable β‐nucleating agents for isotactic polypropylene

Calcium salts of suberic (Ca‐Sub) and pimelic (Ca‐Pim) acids were synthesized and implemented as in different grades of isotactic polypropylene (iPP). Propylene homopolymer, as well as random and block copolymers containing these additives, crystallized iPP into pure or nearly pure β modification in the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization experiments. Recently, Ca‐Sub proved to be the most effective β‐nucleating agent of iPP. The Ca‐Sub nucleating agent widens the upper crystallization temperature range of pure β‐iPP formation up to 140°C. In this study the effect of the these additives on the crystallization, melting characteristics, and structure of the PP were studied. The degree of crystallinity of β‐iPP was markedly higher than that of α‐iPP. A widening in the melting peak of the samples crystallized in a high temperature range was first observed and discussed in regard to literature results of the same phenomenon for α‐iPP. The morphology of the β‐iPP samples was revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Independent of the type of polymer or nucleating agent, hedritic structures were found in the early stages of growth of the β‐spherulites. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 2357–2368, 1999     

Synthesis of nano β‐TCP and the effects on the mechanical and biological properties of β‐TCP/HDPE/UHMWPE nanocomposites

High density polyethylene/tricalcium phosphate/ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (TCP/HDPE/UHMWPE) Nanocomposite as an orthopedic biomaterial (with better properties toward TCP/HDPE composite) was obtained. To evaluate the capability of this nanocomposite as a material for bone tissue replacement, mechanical and biological assessments were performed. In this study, nanosize β‐TCP powders with average grain size of 100 nm were synthesized by chemical precipitation method and characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To evaluate the mechanical properties of this biomaterial, tensile properties were obtained for the material. Results showed that by increasing the weight percentage of β‐TCP, the elastic modulus increases, elongation at yield decreases and with no significant change in tensile strength. SEM micrographs of cryogenic fracture surface of samples indicated that distribution of nano powders in matrix is homogeneous. In vitro biological evaluations on the samples were done by performing cytotoxicity (MTT assay), alkaline phosphatase enzyme, and cell attachment tests. In all of the tests, osteoblast cells were used. Results of biological tests showed that the samples are biocompatible and they have no toxicity. Also, SEM observations demonstrated that the cells can attach to surface of nanocomposite samples, which reveals osteoconductivity of the surface. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1745–1753, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Nano‐Hydroxyapatite Improves the Properties of β‐tricalcium Phosphate Bone Scaffolds

β‐Tricalcium phosphates have been widely used as biomaterials for bone substitutes; however, the poor mechanical properties limit the application in bearing loading bones. In this study, nano‐hydroxyapatite has been introduced to improve the mechanical properties for porous bioceramic scaffolds. Nanocomposites containing 0–10 wt% needle‐like nano‐hydroxyapatite were prepared for investigation. It has been found that needle‐like nano‐hydroxyapatite improves the toughness, hardness, and compressive strength of the porous β‐tricalcium phosphates scaffolds, as well as the microstructure properties. The study provides a reference for the development of safe, excellent bone scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.     

β‐Cyclodextrin stabilized on three‐dimensional polyester fabric with different crosslinking agents

The stabilization of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) on spacer polyester fabric (three‐dimensional) is an interesting task. Using a crosslinking agent to stabilize β‐CD on the spacer polyester fabric is necessary. This causes an increase in the durability of β‐CD on the fabric. In this research, five different crosslinking agents, including two non‐formaldehyde crosslinking agents (citric acid and 1,2,3,4‐butane tetracarboxylic acid), one formaldehyde‐based crosslinking agent (dimethylol dihydroxyl ethylene urea), and two different commercial siloxane‐based softeners, were used to specify the best yield on the polyester spacer fabric with β‐CD. The results showed that, among the different crosslinking agents, 1,2,3,4‐butane tetracarboxylic acid provided the best durability after 10 washings. The changes in the weight, regain, drop absorption time on the fabric surface, metal‐ion (chrome) absorption, and reactive‐dye absorption were also reported, and scanning electron microscopy pictures were observed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Negative effect of stretching on the development of β‐phase in β‐nucleated isotactic polypropylene

On the premise that shear in the slit die of an extruder was minimized as far as possible, β‐nucleated isotactic polypropylene (iPP) was extruded. Simultaneously, once the extrudate (in the melt state) left the die exit, it was stretched at various stretching rates (SRs). For iPP with a low content of β‐nucleating agent (β‐NA), the crystallinity of β‐phase (X_β) initially increases with increasing SR, and then decreases slightly with further increase in SR. However, for iPP containing a higher content of β‐NA, with increasing SR, X_β decreases monotonically, indicating a negative effect of SR on β‐phase formation. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering and polarized optical microscopy experiments reveal that, when SR is less than 30 cm min^?1, the increasing amount of row nuclei induced by increasing SR is mainly responsible for the increase of X_β. In contrast, when SR exceeds 30 cm min^?1, the overgrowth of shish structures unexpectedly restrains the development of β‐phase, and spatial confinement is considered as a better explanation for the suppression of β‐phase. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Novel magnetic nanoparticles for the hydrolysis of starch with Bacillus licheniformis α‐amylase

Novel magnetic nanoparticles with an average size of 350–400 nm with N‐methacryloyl‐(L )‐phenylalanine (MAPA) as a hydrophobic monomer were prepared by the surfactant‐free emulsion polymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate, MAPA, and magnetite in an aqueous dispersion medium. MAPA was synthesized from methacryloyl chloride and L ‐phenylalanine methyl ester. The specific surface area of the nonporous magnetic nanoparticles was found to be 580 m²/g. Magnetic poly[2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate–N‐methacryloyl‐(L )‐phenylalanine] nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Elemental analysis of MAPA for nitrogen was estimated as 4.3 × 10^?3 mmol/g of nanoparticles. Then, magnetic nano‐poly[2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate–N‐methacryloyl‐(L )‐phenylalanine] nanoparticles were used in the adsorption of Bacillus licheniformis α‐amylase in a batch system. With an optimized adsorption protocol, a very high loading of 705 mg of enzyme/g nanoparticles was obtained. The adsorption phenomena appeared to follow a typical Langmuir isotherm. The inverse of enzyme affinity for free amylase (181.82 mg/mL) was higher than that for immobilized enzyme (81.97 mg/mL). Storage stability was found to increase with adsorption. It was observed that the enzyme could be repeatedly adsorbed and desorbed without a significant loss in the adsorption amount or enzyme activity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Synthesis of Dendritic Nano‐Sized Nickel for use as Anode Material in an Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell

Dendritic nano‐sized nickel nanoparticles were synthesised using a hydrazine reduction method in ethylene glycol from a nickel chloride precursor. The resulting particles were characterised by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Dendritic nickel has a network structure which is ideal to be used as electrode for electrochemical devices such as fuel cells. The prepared dendritic nickel nanoparticles were used as anodes for an alkaline membrane fuel cell using poly(vinyl)alcohol (PVA)/tetraethyl ammonium chloride (TEAC) alkaline blend electrolyte membrane with a PVA/TEAC ratio of 1:5. A current density of 11.5 mA cm^–2 has been achieved when methanol was used as the fuel.