Characterization of tissue-engineered scaffolds microfabricated with PAM.
PAM (pressure-activated microsyringe) is a new microfabrication technique that allows the fabrication of two- and three-dimensional scaffolds with a well-defined geometry using polymers soluble in volatile solvents. In this study, polymeric scaffolds were realized with four different polymers--PCL, PLLA, PLGA, and a blend of PCL and PLLA--and with three different geometries-square grids, hexagonal grids, and octagonal grids. The scaffolds were characterized in terms of porosity, hydrophilicity, cell adhesion, and their mechanical properties. An analysis of the measured data shows that the physical and mechanical properties of the scaffold depend on its geometry and line width, both of which are easily modulated using PAM.
Interdepartmental Research Center E. Piaggio, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Massimo
M
Mariani
Frederica
F
Rosatini
Giovanni
G
Vozzi
Antonino
A
Previti
Arti
A
Ahluwalia
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D011108:Polymers; D011312:Pressure; D013500:Surface Tension; D013594:Syringes; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014867:Water
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water