Supercritical phase inversion of starch-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) for tissue engineering applications
Ana Rita C Duarte1, João F Mano, Rui L Reis
1Department of Polymer Engineering, 3B's Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, S. Cláudio do Barco, 4806-909, Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal. aduarte@dep.uminho.pt
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|October 21, 2009
Summary
This study developed porous starch-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) scaffolds using supercritical CO2. These scaffolds support cell attachment and proliferation, showing promise for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Starch-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (SPCL) blends are explored for biomedical applications.
- Supercritical fluid processing offers solvent-free fabrication methods for porous materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop 3D SPCL scaffolds using supercritical assisted phase inversion.
- To investigate the impact of processing parameters on scaffold morphology and properties.
- To evaluate the in vitro biological performance of the fabricated scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Supercritical assisted phase inversion using CO2 as a non-solvent.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for morphological analysis.
- Mechanical testing and in vitro cell culture studies (adhesion, viability, proliferation).
Main Results:
- The supercritical process yielded porous, interconnected SPCL scaffolds free of residual solvents.
- Processing pressure and temperature influenced scaffold morphology.
- Scaffolds demonstrated good mechanical properties and supported cell attachment, proliferation, and viability in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Supercritical assisted phase inversion is a viable technique for fabricating SPCL scaffolds for tissue engineering.
- The developed scaffolds exhibit suitable characteristics for biomedical applications, promoting cellular activity.
