3-D PLLA scaffolds formation by a supercritical freeze extraction assisted process

Various techniques have been reported in the literature for the fabrication of biodegradable scaffolds; but, it is very difficult to obtain in the same structure macro, micro and nanostructural characteristics. In this work we developed a supercritical freeze extraction process (SFEP) for the formation of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds, that combines the advantages of thermally induced phase separation with those of supercritical drying. We processed solutions in chloroform of two PLLA molecular weights and at different polymer concentrations ranging between 5 and 20 % w/w. Supercritical drying was performed at 35 °Cand pressures ranging between 100 and 250 bar. 3-D scaffolds characterized by high porosity (between 88 and 97.5 %), with coexisting micro and nanometric morphology were obtained. Structures generated were characterized by pores ranging between 10 and 30 μm and with a wrinkled nanostructure of about 200 nm, superimposed on the internal pore surface, that could be useful for biomedical applications. A solvent residue lower than 5 ppm was also measured.