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Synthesis of macroporous poly(dimethylsiloxane) scaffolds for tissue engineering applications
Eileen Pedraza1, Ann-Christina Brady, Christopher A Fraker
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA.
Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition
|May 21, 2013
Summary
This study developed macroporous poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) scaffolds for tissue engineering. These biostable scaffolds show excellent biocompatibility and promote cell adhesion, making them ideal for host integration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Developing functional scaffolds is crucial for tissue engineering.
- Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) offers potential due to its biostability.
- Controlled porosity is key for cell infiltration and integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate macroporous, biostable PDMS scaffolds with controlled architecture.
- To evaluate the impact of pore size and porosity on scaffold structure.
- To assess the suitability of these scaffolds for cell culture and in vivo applications.
Main Methods:
- Solvent casting and particulate leaching using sodium chloride particles.
- Fabrication of PDMS scaffolds with varying porosity and particle sizes.
- Surface modification with fibronectin for cell adhesion.
- In vitro cell culture with human mesenchymal stem cells.
- In vivo biocompatibility and stability assessment in a rodent model.
Main Results:
- Macroporous PDMS scaffolds with optimal porosity (90% v/v) and pore size (>100 μm) were successfully prepared.
- Fibronectin coating enhanced the scaffolds' platform for adherent cell culture.
- In vivo studies demonstrated high biocompatibility and biostability of PDMS implants.
- Significant extracellular matrix deposition was observed within the scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- Macroporous PDMS scaffolds can be fabricated with controlled architecture.
- These scaffolds support adherent cell culture and exhibit excellent in vivo biocompatibility.
- PDMS scaffolds are promising for tissue engineering applications requiring host integration.
