Development and characterization of a porous micro-patterned scaffold for vascular tissue engineering applications

Biomaterials. 2006 Sep;27(27):4775-82. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2006.04.038. Epub 2006 May 24.

Abstract

The fabrication of functional small diameter blood vessel analogs has implications in vascular disease treatment. Current 3D models of the medial vessel layer lack micron-scale topographical cues that have shown promise in vitro by recapitulating native vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behavior. A major obstacle to fabricating 3D scaffolds is maintaining adequate nutrient diffusion to cells. We have developed and characterized porous micro-patterned poly-caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds using a novel technique that integrates soft lithography, melt molding and particulate leaching of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) micro/nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy showed that PLGA-leached scaffolds have circular pores significantly smaller than the size scale of the grooved surface pattern (48 microm grooves; 5 microm deep; 12 microm spacing). Diffusion of media through PLGA-leached scaffolds was six-fold greater than through non-porous scaffolds, indicating successful introduction of through-pores into PCL by the PLGA leaching technique. VSMC alignment on micro-patterned PLGA-leached scaffolds was similar to that on micro-patterned non-porous scaffolds, indicating no loss in cellular organization on PLGA-leached scaffolds. In contrast, cells seeded on micro-patterned sodium bicarbonate-leached scaffolds remained un-aligned. The ability to micro-pattern cells on porous scaffolds may facilitate the transfer of micro-technology from simple 2D substrates to complex 3D architectures, allowing for tight control over cellular organization in fabricated tissues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis
  • Blood Vessels / growth & development*
  • Cattle
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Polarity
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Endothelial Cells / physiology*
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Polyglycolic Acid / chemistry*
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Porosity
  • Surface Properties
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polymers
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid