Composite Polylactide/Polycaprolactone Foams with Hierarchical Porous Structure for Pre-Vascularized Tissue...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Modern tissue engineering demands degradable scaffolds that support cell growth and vascularization.
• Achieving interconnected porous structures is crucial for nutrient transport and cell infiltration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize porous polylactide/polycaprolactone (PLA/PCL) scaffolds using a combined porogen leaching and freeze-drying technique.
• To investigate the impact of Klucel (a cellulose derivative) concentration on scaffold porosity, water uptake, and cellular response.
• To evaluate the potential of these scaffolds for engineering pre-vascularized soft and hard tissues.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PLA/PCL scaffolds using NaCl and varying Klucel concentrations (10-100% w/w).
• Characterization of scaffold porosity (macro-, micro-, nanopores) and interconnectivity using SEM, micro-CT, and BET analysis.
• Assessment of water uptake, cell ingrowth (human adipose-derived stem cells), and pre-vascular structure formation (co-cultured with endothelial cells).

Main Results:

• Scaffolds exhibited trimodal pore size distribution (macro-, micro-, nanopores) with ~90% open porosity.
• Klucel incorporation increased macropore size and nanoporosity, enhancing water uptake and cell infiltration.
• Scaffolds with 25% Klucel showed optimal cell ingrowth, and pre-vascularization was enhanced in a dynamic culture system.
• Scaffold mechanical properties varied with Klucel content, suggesting suitability for soft (10% Klucel) and hard (25-50% Klucel) tissues.

Conclusions:

• PLA/PCL scaffolds fabricated with Klucel offer tunable porosity and enhanced vascularization potential.
• These scaffolds demonstrate promise for engineering pre-vascularized soft and hard tissues.
• The combination of controlled porosity and biomaterial properties facilitates cell infiltration and tissue regeneration.