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Three‐dimensional macroscopic scaffolds with a gradient in stiffness for functional regeneration of interfacial tissues
Author(s) -
Singh Milind,
Dormer Nathan,
Salash Jean R.,
Christian Jordan M.,
Moore David S.,
Berkland Cory,
Detamore Michael S.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1552-4965
pISSN - 1549-3296
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.a.32765
Subject(s) - materials science , plga , composite number , tissue engineering , biocompatible material , scaffold , stiffness , microsphere , nanoparticle , composite material , glycolic acid , biomedical engineering , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , lactic acid , medicine , engineering , biology , bacteria , genetics
A novel approach has been demonstrated to construct biocompatible, macroporous 3‐D tissue engineering scaffolds containing a continuous macroscopic gradient in composition that yields a stiffness gradient along the axis of the scaffold. Polymeric microspheres, made of poly(D,L‐lactic‐ co ‐glycolic acid) (PLGA), and composite microspheres encapsulating a higher stiffness nano‐phase material (PLGA encapsulating CaCO 3 or TiO 2 nanoparticles) were used for the construction of microsphere‐based scaffolds. Using controlled infusion of polymeric and composite microspheres, gradient scaffolds displaying an anisotropic macroscopic distribution of CaCO 3 /TiO 2 were fabricated via an ethanol sintering technique. The controllable mechanical characteristics and biocompatible nature of these scaffolds warrants further investigation for interfacial tissue engineering applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010