Laminar silk scaffolds for aligned tissue fabrication

3D-biomaterial scaffolds with aligned architecture are of vital importance in tissue regeneration. A generic method is demonstrated to produce aligned biomaterial scaffolds using the physics of directional ice freezing. Homogeneously aligned 3D silk scaffolds with high porosity and alignment are prepared. The method can be adapted to a wide range of polymers and is devoid of any chemical reactions, thus avoiding potential complications associated with by-products. Mechanical properties and cellular responses with chondrocytes and bone-marrow-derived hMSCs are studied, assessing survival, proliferation, and differentiation. In vivo tests suggest biocompatibility of the matrices for future tissue engineering applications, specifically in areas where high cellular alignment is needed.