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Three-dimensional porous biodegradable polymeric scaffolds fabricated with biodegradable hydrogel porogens
Jinku Kim1, Michael J Yaszemski, Lichun Lu
1Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Laboratory, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine , Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Tissue Engineering. Part C, Methods
|February 17, 2009
Summary
A novel fabrication method uses hydrogel microparticles to create 3D porous poly(epsilon-caprolactone fumarate) scaffolds. This technique offers improved porosity and interconnectivity compared to traditional salt leaching for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Traditional scaffold fabrication methods like salt leaching have limitations.
- Developing advanced porous scaffolds is crucial for tissue regeneration.
- Poly(epsilon-caprolactone fumarate) (PCLF) is a promising biomaterial for scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a new fabrication technique for 3D porous PCLF scaffolds using hydrogel microparticle porogens.
- To compare the properties of scaffolds fabricated with hydrogel porogens versus salt leaching.
- To evaluate the potential of this new method for tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D porous PCLF scaffolds using gelatin and poly(ethylene glycol) sebacic acid diacrylate hydrogel microparticle porogens.
- Preparation of hydrogel microparticles via a single emulsion technique (100-500 micrometers).
- Assessment of scaffold properties including pore size distribution, porosity, pore interconnectivity, and spatial pore heterogeneity using micro-computed tomography and imaging analysis.
Main Results:
- Scaffolds fabricated with hydrogel porogens exhibited higher porosity and pore interconnectivity.
- The hydrogel porogen method resulted in a more homogeneous spatial pore distribution compared to salt leaching.
- Scaffold compressive moduli were inversely related to porosity, with lower porosity yielding a greater modulus.
Conclusions:
- The novel hydrogel microparticle porogen technique offers an effective alternative for fabricating 3D porous PCLF scaffolds.
- This method enhances key scaffold properties like porosity and interconnectivity, crucial for tissue engineering.
- The developed scaffolds show potential for various tissue engineering applications due to their improved structural characteristics.
