Enhanced antibacterial activity,antioxidant, and in vitro biocompatibility of modified polycaprolactone-based membranes

The fabrication, surface functionality, and biocompatibility of membranes prepared from blends of polycaprolactone (PCL) and curcumin powder (CURP) (PCL/CURP) were studied. Acrylic acid (AA)-grafted polycaprolactone (PCL-g-AA) was evaluated as an alternative to PCL. Mouse tail-skin fibroblasts (FBs) were seeded on two series of these films to assess cytocompatibility. Collagen and cell proliferation analyses indicated that PCL, PCL-g-AA, and their composite membranes were biocompatible with respect to FB proliferation. However, FB proliferation, collagen production and the percentage of normal cells growing on PCL/CURP membranes were greater than those for PCL-g-AA/CURP membranes. Rapid apoptosis was not observed with assays of FBs on the PCL-series membranes, demonstrating the potential of PCL/CURP or PCL-g-AA/CURP membranes for biomedical applications. Moreover, CURP enhanced the Escherichia coli (BCRC 10239) antibacterial activity and antioxidant properties of the membranes. Membranes of PCL-g-AA or PCL containing CURP had better antibacterial and antioxidant activity.