Nanocomposites For Biomedical Applications Research Articles

Synthesis and Characterization of CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles and CoFe2O4@BaTiO3 Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications

Cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (CFO) of around 9 nm were synthesized with the solvothermal method. The CFO particles were covered with a barium titanate (BTO) shell at a 1:1 CFO:BTO ratio, via a sol-gel synthesis, to form CFO@BTO nanocomposites. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) studies reveal the presence of only the expected CFO and BTO phases. Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM) images show the thorough covering with the BTO shell. Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) mapping was used to analyze the elemental composition of the nanocomposites. Magnetic characterization shows high saturation magnetization and low coercive field at 300 K, suitable for biomedical applications.

Cheminformatics-Based Design and Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite/Collagen Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications.

This paper presents a novel cheminformatics approach for the design and synthesis of hydroxyapatite/collagen nanocomposites, which have potential biomedical applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and orthopedic and dental implants. The nanocomposites are synthesized by the co-precipitation method with different ratios of hydroxyapatite and collagen. Their mechanical, biological, and degradation properties are analyzed using various experimental and computational techniques. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction unveil the low crystallinity and nanoscale particle size of hydroxyapatite (22.62 nm) and hydroxyapatite/collagen composites (14.81 nm). These findings are substantiated by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confirming the Ca/P ratio between 1.65 and 1.53 and attesting to the formation of non-stoichiometric apatites in all samples, further validated by molecular simulation. The antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposites is evaluated in vitro against several bacterial and fungal strains, demonstrating their medical potential. Additionally, in silico analyses are performed to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties and the bioavailability of the collagen samples. This study paves the way for the development of novel biomaterials using chemoinformatics tools and methods, facilitating the optimization of design and synthesis parameters, as well as the prediction of biological outcomes. Future research directions should encompass the investigation of in vivo biocompatibility and bioactivity of the nanocomposites, while exploring further applications and functionalities of these innovative materials.

Characterization and in vitro bioactivity evaluation of polyvinyl alcohol incorporated electro spun chitosan/ fluor apatite nanofibrous scaffold for bone tissue engineering

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/fluor apatite scaffolds with different concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol of 0.075 g ml−1 and 0.1 g ml−1, respectively named A and B fabricated by electrospinning method to use in tissue engineering. By examining the scaffolds by FE-SEM, an appetite layer formation which was on the scaffold surface was clearly observable. Increasing the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol from 0.075 g ml−1 to 0.1 g ml−1 in the nanofibrous scaffolds improved degradation characteristic with an optimized value of 26 ± 2 and 42 ± 1 % after 28 days, respectively. The mean diameter of fibers both scaffolds was 405 nm and 212 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the percentage of porosity in both scaffolds was calculated as 84% and 91%, separately. The level of hydrophilicity of the scaffolds was measured by the dynamic contact angle method. Moreover, the increase in the percentage of polyvinyl alcohol led to the decrease in the average contact angle in scaffold A and scaffold B from 90° to 70°, respectively. The results of bone marrow culture test with MG-63 (NCBI C555) cell on the surface of scaffolds demonstrated not cytotoxicity in the resulting scaffolds as well as a suitable substrate for the adhesion and growth of the cells. According to our findings, the electrospun fluorapatite-incorporated-chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol scaffold could provide a new nanocomposite for biomedical applications.

Assessment of the Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Mg-1Zn-0.6Ca/Diamond Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications.

In this work, the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of the Mg-1Zn-0.6Ca matrix alloy (ZX10), reinforced by adding various amounts of nanodiamond particles (0.5, 1, and 2 wt.%), prepared by the ultrasound-assisted stir-casting method, were investigated as they are deemed as potential implant materials in biomedical applications. Microstructure, nanoindentation, mechanical tensile, immersion, and potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed for evaluating the influence of the addition of nanodiamond particles on the alloy's mechanical and biocorrosion properties. The results revealed that the addition of nanodiamond particles causes a reduction in the alloy's grain size. The alloy's nanohardness and elastic modulus values increased when the amount of added nanodiamond particles were increased. The nanocomposite with an addition of 0.5% ND showed the best composition with regard to an acceptable corrosion rate as the corrosion rates are too high with higher additions of 1 or 2% NDs. At the same time, the yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation improved slightly compared to the matrix alloy.

Synthesis and characterization of hematite (α-Fe2O3) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposites for biomedical applications

This study presents preliminary findings on the performance of the stimuli-responsive PLA/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites under the magnetic stimulus with varying concentrations of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles. The effect of varying nanoparticle concentrations on the structural and thermal properties was examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Subsequently, the magnetic field with various intensities was generated using a vibrating sample magnetometer in a controlled environment. The resulting deformation rate of the nanocomposites was observed in response to changing magnetic fields. The results revealed that the PLA/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites could be potential materials for biomedical applications, i.e., cardiovascular stents, which can provide the desired stimulus to treat post-stenting complications without the need for secondary surgical procedures. In future studies, the synthesized PLA/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites will be adopted for 3D printing (3DP) processes to develop patient-specific cardiovascular stents and to evaluate their biomechanical performance.

Effects of Hydrolytic and Oxidizing Agents on the Properties of Low Density Polyethylene/Halloysite Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) nanocomposites reinforced with natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were synthesized and evaluated as a prospective material for biomedical applications via in vitro biostability studies in this work. A twin-screw extruder machine was used to fabricate the examined LDPE and LDPE/HNTs nanocomposites (NCs), followed by in vitro treatment of the prepared NCs via immersion in oxidizing and hydrolytic chemicals for four weeks at 37°C. The materials’ in vitro mechanical characteristics were evaluated under these harsh conditions. The analysis showed that the LDPE with 3 wt% HNTs exhibited the best nanofiller dispersion characteristics. This NC also presented smoother surface degradation characteristics compared to the plain LDPE and other LDPE NCs. Furthermore, as compared to plain LDPE, the LDPE NCs showed enhanced mechanical capabilities, and these qualities were less impacted by the in vitro conditions. The introduction of 3 wt% HNTs into the LDPE gave the best in vitro mechanical characteristics. Furthermore, the existence of a better-scattered nanotube structure was thought to offer a more sinuous pathway for the propagation of H2O and the oxidants, thereby reducing their penetration across the matrix chains. Hence, the kinetics of disintegration inside the LDPE molecular chains were slower, resulting in improved biostability.

Biocompatibility Assessment of Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Nanobioglass (n-BG) Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications.

Scaffolds based on biopolymers and nanomaterials with appropriate mechanical properties and high biocompatibility are desirable in tissue engineering. Therefore, polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposites were prepared with ceramic nanobioglass (PLA/n-BGs) at 5 and 10 wt.%. Bioglass nanoparticles (n-BGs) were prepared using a sol–gel methodology with a size of ca. 24.87 ± 6.26 nm. In addition, they showed the ability to inhibit bacteria such as Escherichia coli (ATCC 11775), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (ATCC 17802), Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus (ATCC 55804), and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 13061) at concentrations of 20 w/v%. The analysis of the nanocomposite microstructures exhibited a heterogeneous sponge-like morphology. The mechanical properties showed that the addition of 5 wt.% n-BG increased the elastic modulus of PLA by ca. 91.3% (from 1.49 ± 0.44 to 2.85 ± 0.99 MPa) and influenced the resorption capacity, as shown by histological analyses in biomodels. The incorporation of n-BGs decreased the PLA crystallinity (from 7.1% to 4.98%) and increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) from 53 °C to 63 °C. In addition, the n-BGs increased the thermal stability due to the nanoparticle’s intercalation between the polymeric chains and the reduction in their movement. The histological implantation of the nanocomposites and the cell viability with HeLa cells higher than 80% demonstrated their biocompatibility character with a greater resorption capacity than PLA. These results show the potential of PLA/n-BGs nanocomposites for biomedical applications, especially for long healing processes such as bone tissue repair and avoiding microbial contamination.

In situ synthesis and characterization of colloidal AuNPs capped nano-chitosan containing poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Herein, we have successfully synthesized a novel nCS-PDMA/AuNPs nanocomposite based on nano-chitosan containing poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) capped gold nanoparticle in situ synthesis is reported. The AuNPs were synthesized using the green method without using any harmful chemicals, reducing and stabilizing agents to generate AuNPs, is not needed because these roles are played by nCS. The synthesized nCS-PDMA/AuNPs nanocomposite were characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and TEM analysis. The polydispersed nCS-PDMA/AuNPs nanocomposite was observed approximately 25 nm. Furthermore, nCS-PDMA/AuNPs nanocomposite was showed significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The nCS-PDMA/AuNPs nanocomposite showed strong antioxidant activity by inhibiting the DPPH radicals. In addition, the cytotoxicity of nCS-PDMA/AuNPs nanocomposite was tested in HeLa cells and found to be high toxicity than nCS-PDMA. This work suggests that green synthesized nCS-PDMA/AuNPs nanocomposite may be utilized as an effective antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activity. Research highlights nCS-PDMA capped gold nanoparticles (nCS-PDMA/AuNPs) were prepared. Physical characterization of nCS-PDMA/AuNPs by UV-vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM. nCS-PDMA/AuNPs displayed promising inhibitory activity against both bacteria. nCS-PDMA/AuNPs showed significant DPPH radical scavenging activities. nCS-PDMA/AuNPs showed an excellent anticancer activity against HeLa cells.

Structural, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of Ge-DLC nanocomposite for biomedical applications.

Integrative production of new nanocomposites has been used to enhance favorable features of biomaterials for unlocking ultimate potential of different molecules. In the present study, advantageous properties of diamond like carbons (DLC) and germanium (Ge) like greater biocompatibility and antibacterial attributes were aimed to combined into a thin film. For this purpose, 400 nm DLC-Ge nanocomposite was coated on the borosilicate glasses via the magnetron sputtering and surface characteristics was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and The Raman spectrum. Biocompatibility analysis were performed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl) (MTT) cell viability assay and Hoechst 33258 fluorescent staining genotoxicity assessments on the human fibroblast cell line (HDFa). Finally, antibacterial properties of DLC-Ge nanocomposite coatings were investigated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) bacterial attachment analysis. As a result of magnetron sputtering coating, nearly 400 nm thick DLC-Ge nanocomposite film showed a smooth, a non-porous, and a dense characteristic. Cell viability analysis showed that Ge-DLC coatings permits %95 cell surface growth of fibroblast cells. Also, there were no significant difference in aspect of nuclear abnormalities compared to the (-) control which showed nonmutagenic features of the thin film. Finally, antibacterial attachment analysis put forth that Ge-DLC coatings inhibits bacterial adhesion as %40 and %25 rates for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus bacterial strains, respectively. From these results, DLC-Ge nanocomposites could be proposed as a potential new biomaterial for various biomedical applications.

Nanoscale Viscoelasticity Characterization of Engineered Organometallic Regenerative Tissue Scaffold Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications

Nanoscale Viscoelasticity Characterization of Engineered Organometallic Regenerative Tissue Scaffold Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications

Investigation of thermal, antibacterial, antioxidant and antibiofilm properties of PVC/ABS/ZnO nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Investigation of thermal, antibacterial, antioxidant and antibiofilm properties of PVC/ABS/ZnO nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Development of antibacterial biocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals derived from banana pseudostem

Crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) was derived from banana pseudostem using acid hydrolysis method. CNC was characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. CNC was found in nanometric dimensions (18.79 ± 5.30 nm diameter and 202.12 ± 37.43 nm length) and exhibited high degree of crystallinity (81.67%). Chitosan-CNC based antimicrobial nanocomposites films were prepared by the incorporation of tetracycline and showed well-demarcated zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Chitosan-CNC nanocomposite films showed significantly (p < 0.05) high tensile strength and good swelling properties in comparison to control CNC films. This study suggests that banana pseudostem can be used as a raw material for economic production of CNC and nanocomposites for biomedical applications.

In vitro bio-interaction responses and hemocompatibility of nano-based linear low-density polyethylene polymer embedded with heterogeneous TiO2/ZnO nanocomposites for biomedical applications

An innovative nano-base polymer that scavenges radicals and reactive oxygen species exhibits potential antibacterial properties, which are crucial in the biomedical field, particularly in reducing nosocomial infections. However, the safety of this nano-based polymer, which has direct contact with the human system, has not been fully understood. The present study investigated the cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility responses of linear low-density polyethylene polymer (LLDPE) embedded with difference ratios of heterogeneous TiO2/ZnO nanocomposites. Exposure of the blood and fibroblast cells to LLDPE/100Z and LLDPE/25T75Z/10% nanocomposite films for 48 and 72 h decreased their viability by less than 40%, compared with LLDPE, LLDPE/100T and LLDPE/25T75Z/5% nanocomposite films. It also presented possible cellular damage and cytotoxicity, which was supported by the findings from the significant release of extracellular lactate dehydrogenase profiles and cell survival assay Further observation using an electron microscope revealed that LLDPE films with heterogeneous 25T75Z/5% promoted cell adhesion. Moreover, no hemolysis was detected in all ratios of heterogeneous TiO2/ZnO nanocomposite in LLDPE film as it was less than 0.2%, suggesting that these materials were hemocompatible. This study on LLDPE film with heterogeneous TiO2/ZnO nanocomposites demonstrated favorable biocompatible properties that were significant for advanced biomedical polymer application in a hospital setting.

Structural, optical, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial properties of MgO, ZnO and MgO/ZnO nanocomposite for biomedical applications

In this study, MgO nanoparticles were successfully fabricated and incubated inside ZnO NPs to form MgO/ZnO nanocomposite for biomedical applications. The x-ray diffraction analysis of MgO, ZnO, and MgO/ZnO has shown the single-phase x-ray diffraction patterns through X'pert High score. The crystallite sizes were calculated as 18 nm, 42 nm, and 53 nm, respectively. The average particle size of MgO, ZnO, and MgO/ZnO nanopowders depicted from secondary electron images of field emission electron microscopy were 56 nm, 400 nm, and 450 nm, respectively. The presence of MgO NPs inside ZnO NPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The elemental dispersive spectroscopy of MgO, given the peaks of oxygen and magnesium, also showed only zinc and oxygen peaks in ZnO, which confirms no other impurities in MgO and ZnO powders. The elemental analysis of MgO/ZnO nanocomposite showed the peaks of Zinc and Oxygen, along with a tiny peak of Mg. The photoluminescence and UV–vis spectroscopy revealed the absorbance fluorescence limit of the nanomaterials. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the several groups present in the nanocomposite. The biocompatibility of MgO, ZnO, and MgO/ZnO was observed with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The cytotoxicity studies were also performed against human cancer (liver and breast) cell lines. The MgO, ZnO, and MgO/ZnO exhibited the antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Polylactic acid nanocomposites for biomedical applications: effects of calcium phosphate, and magnesium phosphate nanoparticles concentration

ABSTRACT Biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) is synthesised from lactic acid by ring-opening polymerisation (ROP). Calcium phosphate (CaP) and magnesium phosphate (MgP) nanoparticles were incorporated into the PLA matrix to study its mechanical and rheological properties. PLA nanocomposites were prepared by the melt compounding assisted with ultrasonic vibration, and the samples were cast inside the vacuum chamber. Scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs of PLA nanocomposites show that CaP and MgP nanoparticles were well dispersed inside the matrix. The tensile strength of PLA/CaP nanocomposites increases up to 15% loading and that of PLA/MgP nanocomposites up to 2% concentration. It is also found that with respect to tensile strength, PLA/CaP and PLA/MgP nanocomposites can be used for the human bone implant. Rheological properties show that complex viscosity decreases with angular frequency but increases with nanoparticles concentration, confirming shear thinning behaviour.Storage modulus and loss modulus of PLA nanocomposites increase with angular frequency and nanoparticles concentration.

Frequency Based Control of Antifouling Properties Using Graphene Nanoplatelet/Poly(Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) Composite Films

ABSTRACT In this work, we report an approach to fabricate graphite nanoplatelets/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) composite films via drop casting. We tested their frequency-based control of antifouling properties on Escherichia coli bacteria TG1 strain (E. coli TG1), in the safe range of 5 MHz < f < 15 MHz. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the average thickness of the composite coatings was 3.5 µm. Raman spectroscopy verified that the structure of the graphene flakes was conserved in the final nanocomposite. Bactericidal assessment was performed by measuring the optical density at 600 nm and the colony forming units (CFU). Our findings showed improved bacteria inhibition when exposed to alternating current frequencies (ACF) at 10 and 15 MHz. At these frequencies, bacteria had also suffered important damage, which was observed by SEM. Culture dynamics after 12 h of the frequency treatments exhibits a significant difference, associated to cell damage observed on bacteria subjected to a specific frequency. The anti-biofilm properties of alternating current frequency (ACV) stimulated GrFs/PLGA thin films underline the importance of the fabrication of novel nanocomposites for biomedical applications where biofilm proliferation is undesirable. Abbreviations: GrFs: graphite nanoplatelets; PLGA: poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), E. Coli: Escherichia coli; CFU: colony forming units; PEF: Pulsed Electric Field; OD: optical density; ES: electric stimulation; BC: bacteria control; BVF: variable frequency (BVF) treatments; ACVF: alternating current with variable frequency; EPS: extracellular polymeric substances; DMF: N,N-dimethylformamide; THF: tetrahydrofuran; ACF: alternating current frequencies; SEM: Scanning Electron Microscopy; TEM: Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Magnetic and electrically conductive silica-coated iron oxide/polyaniline nanocomposites for biomedical applications

This work describes the development of novel dual-stimuli-responsive nanocomposites based on silica-coated iron oxide/polyaniline (Si-MNPs/PANI) for biomedical applications. Si-MNPs/PANI nanocomposites were developed via chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of Si-MNPs (25 and 50 wt%). Si-MNPs/PANI were obtained both in nanotubular (SPNTs) and granular (SGTs) forms by altering the synthesis parameters such as acid concentration and mixing process. The effects of nanocomposite morphology were evaluated by investigating their chemical, physical and biological properties. Material characterization was comparatively carried out via SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, room temperature VSM, and electrical resistivity measurements. Biological properties were evaluated by indirect in vitro cytotoxicity and in vitro hemocompatibility analyses according to ISO standards. Results indicated that Si-MNPs/PANI nanocomposites exhibited both magnetically and electrically-responsive properties. Magnetization values of Si-MNPs/PANI nanocomposites increased with increasing Si-MNPs content. However, electrical conductivity was inversely proportional to Si-MNPs content. In addition, SGTs represented remarkably higher electrical conductivity (1.1 S/cm) than SPNTs (4.8 × 10−2 S/cm), but lower saturation magnetization (21 emu/g) compared to SPNTs (27 emu/g). Furthermore, in vitro cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility of the SGTs and SPNTs varied in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting their use in certain doses for biomedical applications. In conclusion, the developed Si-MNPs/PANI, with magnetic sensitivity and electrical conductivity have potential as nanocomposites for utilization in biomedical applications, e.g. biosensing, controlled-drug delivery, bioelectronic systems, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as active compound. Besides, the selection of the appropriate synthesis protocol allows Si-MNPs/PANI nanocomposites to exhibit superior properties according to the targeted application area.

Synthesis and characterization of advanced hybrid titanium compounds/F-MWCNTs nanocomposites and their antibacterial activities

The main objective of this paper is to synthesize advanced hybrid titanium compounds/F-MWCNTs nanocomposites for biomedical applications using a low temperature chemical method followed by an annealing processing. The uniqueness of our approach consists of utilizing the raw materials namely titanium compounds with varying morphological shapes i.e., spherical and nanoflowers nanoparticles for developing advanced nanocomposites A & B having hybrid organic–inorganic titanium compounds namely titanium oxide and sodium titanium oxide, which are conformally impregnated on F-MWCNTs and are useful for biomedical applications. Various techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Transmission Scanning Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX), were performed to study and confirm the structures of the developed advanced hybrid titanium compounds F-MWCNTS nanocomposite. The developed nanocomposite A has shown antibacterial potential against test microbes, gram positive, and gram negative bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escheria coli, Lactobacillus planetarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis using the disc diffusion method at different concentrations. The developed material is useful for various applications like antibacterial agents, sodium insertion material of sodium ion batteries, shielding radiations like UV, X-rays while performing dental radiographic examinations of the patients.

RAFT Terminated Hyperbranched Functionalized Nano Rice Husk Powder / EPDM Nanocomposite for Biomedical Applications

ABSTRACT Modified nanosize rice husk powder (i.e. mod.nRHP; mod.nRHP-MA-RAFT-H)/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposite was prepared by solvent casting method. The surface of nano rice husk (n-RHP) was treated with maleic anhydride (MA) to yield n-RHP-MA, then, aliphatic hyperbranched polyester (H) was end capped with RAFT agent to obtain H-RAFT. Afterward, H-RAFT-was successfully anchored onto nRHP-MA via RAFT polymerization technique to afford nRHP-MA-RAFT-H (mod.nRHP). The mechanical and thermal properties were studied for nRHP-MA-RAFT-H (mod.nRHP)/EPDM nanocomposite with different loadings of mod.nRHP. The cytotoxicity activities of the prepared mod.nRHP/EPDM nanocomposites were investigated toward human cell lines in vitro.

Nanoscale piezoelectric effect of biodegradable PLA-based composite fibers by piezoresponse force microscopy

The piezoelectricity of the biocompatible and biodegradable polymer polylactic acid (PLA) was investigated as a potential magnetoelectric (ME) nanocomposite for biomedical applications. A key focus was to quantify the piezoelectric properties of single PLA fibers while tuning their polymer degradability through the addition of faster degrading polymer, poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), which is not a piezoelectric polymer. Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) showed that electrospun PLA fibers gave a piezoelectric response of 186 ± 28 pm. For comparison both PLA/PLGA (75/25) and PLA/PLGA (50/50) fibers gave significantly lower piezoelectric responses of 89 ± 12 pm and 50 ± 9.1 pm, respectively. For the highest content PLGA fibers, PLA/PLGA (25/75), only very few fibers exhibited a low response of 28 pm while most showed no response. Overall, an increasing PLGA content caused a decrease in the piezoelectric response, thus an expected trade-off existed between the biodegradability (i.e. PLA to PLGA content ratio) versus piezoelectricity. The findings were considered significant due to the existence of piezoelectricity in a tuneable biodegradable material that has potential to impart piezoelectric induced effects on biointeractions with the surrounding biological environment or drug interactions with the polymer to control the rate of drug release. In such applications, there is an opportunity to magnetically control the piezoelectricity and henceforth PLA/CoFe2O4 ME nanocomposite fibers with 5% and 10% of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were also investigated. Both 5% and 10% PLA/CoFe2O4 nanocomposites gave lower piezoelectric responses compared to the PLA presumably due to the disturbance of polymer chains and dipole moments by the magnetic nanoparticles, in addition to effects from the possible inhomogeneous distribution of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles.