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The Implications of Polymer Selection in Regenerative Medicine: A Comparison of Amorphous and Semi‐Crystalline Polymer for Tissue Regeneration
Author(s) -
Kofron Michelle D.,
Griswold Allison,
Kumbar Sangamesh G.,
Martin Kylie,
Wen Xuejun,
Laurencin Cato T.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.200801327
Subject(s) - materials science , scaffold , amorphous solid , polymer , regenerative medicine , porosity , biodegradable polymer , tissue engineering , biomedical engineering , regeneration (biology) , in vivo , degradation (telecommunications) , bone tissue , chemical engineering , composite material , chemistry , organic chemistry , biochemistry , cell , medicine , telecommunications , microbiology and biotechnology , engineering , biology , computer science
Biodegradable polymeric scaffolds are being investigated as scaffolding materials for use in regenerative medicine. While the in vivo evaluation of various three‐dimensional (3D), porous, biodegradable polymeric scaffolds has been reported, most studies are ≤3 months in duration, which is typically prior to bulk polymer degradation, a critical event that may initiate an inflammatory response and inhibit tissue formation. Here, a 6 month in vitro degradation and corresponding in vivo studies that characterized scaffold changes during complete degradation of an amorphous, 3D poly(lactide‐ co ‐glycolide)(3D‐PLAGA) scaffold and near‐complete degradation of a semi‐crystalline3D‐PLAGA scaffold are reported. Using sintered microsphere matrix technology, constructs were fabricated in a tubular shape, with the longitudinal axis void and a median pore size that mimicked the architecture of native bone. Long‐term quantitative measurements of molecular weight, mechanical properties, and porosity provided a basis for theorization of the scaffold degradation process. Following implantation in a critical size ulnar defect model, histological analysis and quantitative microCT indicated early solubilization of the semi‐crystalline polymer created an acidic microenvironment that inhibited mineralized tissue formation. Thus, the use of amorphous over semi‐crystalline PLAGA materials is advocated for applications in regenerative medicine.

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