Preparation and characterization of shape memory polymer scaffolds via solvent casting/particulate leaching

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Porous Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) offer potential for minimally invasive defect fillers supporting tissue regeneration.
• Precise control over pore size, shape, and interconnectivity is crucial for nutrient transport and cell infiltration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of preparing porous SMP structures.
• To characterize the chemico-physical properties of these SMP structures.
• To evaluate the in vitro cellular response to the fabricated scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• SMP scaffolds were fabricated using solvent casting/particulate leaching with gelatin microspheres.
• Polyether-urethane (MM-4520) was used as the polymer matrix.
• Characterization included SEM, micro-CT, DMTA, shape recovery tests, and in vitro cytocompatibility assays with MG63 cells.

Main Results:

• The fabrication process allowed for tunable control of scaffold morphology and pore characteristics.
• Homogeneous, spherical, and interconnected pores were successfully achieved.
• Scaffolds exhibited shape memory behavior with up to 90% recovery rate.
• MG63 cells adhered and spread on the scaffold surfaces for up to seven days.

Conclusions:

• A novel class of porous SMP structures was successfully fabricated and characterized.
• These SMP scaffolds show promise for the development of new implantable devices.
• The results support further investigation of these materials in regenerative medicine applications.