Anisotropic silk fibroin/gelatin scaffolds from unidirectional freezing.
Recent studies have underlined the importance of matching scaffold properties to the biological milieu. Tissue, and thus scaffold, anisotropy is one such property that is important yet sometimes overlooked. Methods that have been used to achieve anisotropic scaffolds present challenges such as complicated fabrication steps, harsh processing conditions and toxic chemicals involved. In this study, unidirectional freezing was employed to fabricate anisotropic silk fibroin/gelatin scaffolds in a simple and mild manner. Morphological, mechanical, chemical and cellular compatibility properties were investigated, as well as the effect of the addition of gelatin to certain properties of the scaffold. It was shown that scaffold properties were suitable for cell proliferation and that mesenchymal stem cells were able to align themselves along the directed fibers. The fabricated scaffolds present a platform that can be used for anisotropic tissue engineering applications such as cardiac patches.
National University of Singapore, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Singapore. Electronic address: christine.asuncion@u.nus.edu.
Maria Christine Tankeh
MCT
Asuncion
National University of Singapore, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Singapore; National University of Singapore, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Singapore.
James Cho-Hong
JC
Goh
National University of Singapore, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Singapore; National University of Singapore, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Singapore.
Siew-Lok
SL
Toh
D000818:Animals; D016880:Anisotropy; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005349:Fibroins / Q000737:chemistry*; D005615:Freezing; D005780:Gelatin / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D013552:Swine; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*
D005780:Gelatin; D005349:Fibroins
Anisotropy; Contact guidance; Ice templating; Silk; Tissue engineering; Unidirectional freezing