Tubular Scaffold with Shape Recovery Effect for Cell Guide Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Developing tubular scaffolds with aligned fibers is crucial for guiding cell growth in tissue engineering.
• Incorporating bioceramics like beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) can enhance scaffold properties.
• Controlling porosity and mechanical characteristics is essential for scaffold performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate aligned polylactic acid (PLA) tubular scaffolds with varying β-TCP content for cell guidance.
• To investigate the effect of β-TCP on scaffold morphology, porosity, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility.
• To evaluate the potential of these scaffolds in tissue engineering applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PLA fiber mats and immersion in polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) solution with β-TCP.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphology analysis.
• Micro-computed tomography (µCT) for porosity and β-TCP distribution assessment.
• Mechanical testing (compressive modulus and strength).
• In vitro cytocompatibility studies using MG-63 cells.

Main Results:

• SEM confirmed aligned fiber morphology and PVAc binding.
• µCT showed increased void content with higher β-TCP loading (up to 25.3% at 30 wt% β-TCP).
• β-TCP distribution within PLA layers was observed via µCT.
• Compressive modulus increased (66 to 83 MPa), while compressive strength decreased (67 to 41 MPa) with 30 wt% β-TCP.
• Scaffolds exhibited shape recovery after PBS immersion.
• Preferential MG-63 cell proliferation along fiber direction was observed.

Conclusions:

• A simple method for creating aligned tubular scaffolds with tunable porosity and β-TCP incorporation was developed.
• The fabricated scaffolds support controlled cell alignment and show potential for tissue engineering applications.
• The addition of β-TCP influences scaffold porosity and mechanical properties, impacting cell behavior.