Polyester scaffolds with bimodal pore size distribution for tissue engineering

Macromol Biosci. 2006 Jun 16;6(6):425-34. doi: 10.1002/mabi.200600003.

Abstract

This paper presents a method for the preparation of porous poly(L-lactide)/poly[(L-lactide)-co-glycolide] scaffolds for tissue engineering. Scaffolds were prepared by a mold pressing-salt leaching technique from structured microparticles. The total porosity was in the range 70-85%. The pore size distribution was bimodal. Large pores, susceptible for osteoblasts growth and proliferation had the dimensions 50-400 microm. Small pores, dedicated to the diffusion of nutrients or/and metabolites of bone forming cells, as well as the products of hydrolysis of polyesters from the walls of the scaffold, had sizes in the range 2 nm-5 microm. The scaffolds had good mechanical strength (compressive modulus equal to 41 MPa and a strength of 1.64 MPa for 74% porosity). Scaffolds were tested in vitro with human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63). It was found that the viability of cells seeded within the scaffolds obtained using the mold pressing-salt leaching technique from structured microparticles was better when compared to cells cultured in scaffolds obtained by traditional methods. After 34 d of culture, cells within the tested scaffolds were organized in a tissue-like structure. Photos of section of macro- and mesoporous PLLA/PLGA scaffold containing 50 wt.-% of PLGA microspheres after 34 d of culture. Dark spots mark MG-63 cells, white areas belong to the scaffold. The specimen was stained with haematoxylin/eosin. Bar = 100 microm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Culture Media / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / chemical synthesis*
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Microspheres
  • Osteoblasts / cytology
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Osteoblasts / ultrastructure
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology
  • Polyesters / chemical synthesis*
  • Polyesters / chemistry
  • Polyglycolic Acid / chemical synthesis*
  • Polyglycolic Acid / chemistry
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Porosity
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Engineering*

Substances

  • Culture Media
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid