Synthesis of polythiophene nanoparticles by surfactant-free chemical oxidative polymerization method: Characterization, in vitro biomineralization, and cytotoxicity evaluation

Herein, we report the synthesis of polythiophene nanoparticles (PTh-NPs) by surfactant-free chemical oxidative polymerization of thiophene at 37 °C using ammonium persulphate as oxidant. PTh-NPs synthesized without surfactant were compared to those with surfactant in terms of surface morphology, crystallinity, cytotoxicity and some other aspects. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a good thermal stability of as-synthesized PTh-NPs. In vitro biomineralization revealed the nucleation of calcium and phosphate onto the NPs. Cytotoxicity of PTh-NPs was evaluated by measuring cell viability of pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 and PC12 cell lines. PTh-NPs synthesized without using surfactant exhibited better cell viability compared to those with surfactant.