Surface functionalization of porous resorbable scaffolds by covalent grafting

Resorbable porous scaffold discs and solid films were prepared from poly[(1,5-dioxepan-2-one)-co-(L-lactide)] and poly[(epsilon-caprolactone)-co-(L-lactide)]. The surfaces of the scaffolds were functionalized to increase their hydrophilicity. A total of 90 samples were prepared to cover all important combinations of experimental and material factors, and all experimental data were fitted by a partial least square model. As a result of grafting, the porous discs and solid films exhibited a tremendous increase in wettability. The functionalized discs were hygroscopic so that water was instantly absorbed and thoroughly wet the substrates.