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Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules
Published on: August 19, 2015
Zonal release of proteins within tissue engineering scaffolds
Tri Suciati1, Daniel Howard, John Barry
1Tissue Engineering Group, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|November 24, 2006
Summary
This study details a new tissue engineering scaffold made from poly(DL-lactic acid) microparticles. The scaffold precisely controls growth factor release, enabling zonal tissue growth and offering tuneable cell responses.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Controlled release of growth factors is crucial for effective tissue regeneration.
- Existing scaffolds often lack precise spatial and temporal control over bioactive molecule delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel scaffold for tissue engineering with controlled localization and timing of growth factor release.
- To demonstrate the ability to create zonal growth factor delivery within a 3D scaffold structure.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of poly(DL-lactic acid) microparticles plasticized with poly(ethylene glycol) via sintering.
- Loading microparticles with model proteins (trypsin, HRP) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2).
- Utilizing a solid-in-oil-in-water system for protein encapsulation and constructing layered scaffolds.
Main Results:
- Achieved high entrapment efficiencies (>75%) for loaded proteins.
- Demonstrated controlled release of active proteins for over 30 days.
- Showcased zonal release of rhBMP-2 and tuneable cellular response (C2C12 cells) based on protein dosage.
Conclusions:
- The developed scaffold enables precise control over growth factor release location and timing.
- This technology is suitable for applications requiring spatial control of growth factors and zonation of tissue growth.
- The tunable nature of the scaffold supports applications needing controlled gradients of bioactive molecules.

