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Methods to Characterize Electrospun Scaffold Morphology: A Critical Review
Alex Lopez Marquez1, Iván Emilio Gareis2, Fernando José Dias3
1Faculty of Engineering and Health, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 37085 Gottingen, Germany.
Polymers
|February 15, 2022
Summary
Choosing the right characterization methods is crucial for electrospun scaffolds in tissue engineering. Imaging techniques offer significant advantages for evaluating scaffold properties, guiding reproducible research.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Electrospun scaffolds mimic the extracellular matrix, crucial for tissue engineering applications.
- Accurate characterization of these scaffolds is essential for cell support and research reproducibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss limitations of current electrospun scaffold characterization methods.
- To propose a desirable methodology for scaffold characterization.
- To provide researchers with tools for selecting appropriate characterization techniques.
Main Methods:
- Review and discussion of existing imaging and physical measurement techniques for scaffold characterization.
- Development of a selection matrix to compare methods.
Main Results:
- Imaging methods offer the most benefits for scaffold characterization.
- Drawbacks of imaging methods are primarily related to cost and required expertise.
- Current methods may not fully represent scaffold properties or extract all available information.
Conclusions:
- Selecting appropriate characterization methods enhances the understanding of electrospun scaffolds.
- Optimized characterization can lead to more reproducible and cost-effective research.
- Imaging techniques are recommended for comprehensive scaffold evaluation.
