Functional and Highly Porous Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Highly porous functional scaffolds were obtained from linear and cross-linked multifunctional poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(L-lactide). The polymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and L-lactide using poly(but-2-ene-1,4-diyl malonate) (PBM) as macroinitiator and stannous 2-ethylhexanoate. The presence of a double bond in each repeating unit of PBM enabled cross-linking of both scaffolds and films. Soft and flexible scaffolds were created from cross-linked PBM. The mechanical properties of scaffolds and films were evaluated under cyclic conditions, with a focus on the compositions and molecular weights. It was obvious that PBM in the polymers and its cross-linking ability resulted in tunable material characteristics, including an increased ability to recover after repeated loading.

Polymer Functionalization as a Powerful Tool to Improve Scaffold Performances

“…In particular, several modifications could be considered to improve scaffold native performances, adding advantages typical for other classes of materials. [23][24][25][26] This is the case of functionalization to create hybrid (organic/inorganic) scaffolds. 27 In bone tissue engineering, hydroxyapatite and calcium phosphates present high osteoconductivity, but low mechanical properties.…”

Biomimetic Macroporous PCL Scaffolds for Ex Vivo Expansion of Cord Blood‐Derived CD34+ Cells with Feeder Cells Support

“…In these co‐cultures, culture methods and recombinant human cytokine supplementation have been mostly emphasized, but only meager attention has been paid to the 3D architecture of HSCs niche. Advantageously, the 3D structure could provide sufficient surface area and high porosity to meet the requirement of cell growth, cell migration, and nutrient exchange . To date, only a few 3D scaffolds have been developed for the expansion of HSCs ex vivo .…”

“…Advantageously, the 3D structure could provide sufficient surface area and high porosity to meet the requirement of cell growth, cell migration, and nutrient exchange. [18][19][20][21] To date, only a few 3D scaffolds have been developed for the expansion of HSCs ex vivo. [22][23][24][25][26] For instance, Neuss and co-workers evaluated the supporting effect of different 3D biomaterial scaffolds, such as fibrin and collagen, on the expansion of HSCs in the presence of feeder cells.…”

Biocompatible Collagen Paramagnetic Scaffold for Controlled Drug Release

“…2,3,4 A common feature for all these materials is, of course, a high biocompatibility, in addition to a porous microstructure, which is the crucial requisite for loading and releasing of chemical compounds. 5,6,7,8 Biological agents are commonly adsorbed onto the surface of scaffolds, used as "passive" matrices, according to different methods. 9,10,11 However, one of the major problems with this approach is related to a difficult control of the release kinetics, with an almost instantaneous "burst" release when the matrix is placed in physiological fluids.…”