In vitro biocompatibility study of microwave absorbing conducting polymer blend films for biomedical applications

Abstract

Abstract In the present communication, microwave absorbing property in the frequency range of 12.4–18 GHz and in vitro biocompatibility studies of light weight, flexible, biocompatible, and environment friendly polymer blend films of polyvinylchloride (PVC)-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (taken in ratio 1:1) and doped with various percentage weight concentration of polypyrrole (PPy) are reported. Addition of PPy in the PVC-PVP matrix exhibited a synergetic effect in improving microwave absorbing property. PVC-PVP blend film with 40 and 50% concentrations of PPy were seen to absorb microwaves of the order of 28–50 dB in ku band of microwave region indicating that this composition can suitably find application as microwave absorbing material. In vitro biocompatibility skin irritation study of PVC-PVP (taken in ratio 1:1) with 50% weight concentration of PPy indicated that the prepared film did not have any irritation upon administration and hence is safe for topical application. Moreover, the blood compatibility study of this film exhibited compatibility with blood and can safely be used in any blood contacting mask/device. Hence, this biocompatible film can potentially be used as microwave absorbing material for masking some parts of human body or can be interfaced to biological systems or devices.