Abstract
Purpose: Porous Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) are ideal candidates for the fabrication of defect fillers, able to support tissue regeneration via minimally invasive approaches. In this regard, control of pore size, shape and interconnection is required to achieve adequate nutrient transport and cell ingrowth. Here, we assessed the feasibility of the preparation of SMP porous structures and characterized their chemico-physical properties and in vitro cell response.
Methods: SMP scaffolds were obtained via solvent casting/particulate leaching of gelatin microspheres, prepared via oil/water emulsion. A solution of commercial polyether-urethane (MM-4520, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) was cast on compacted microspheres and leached-off after polymer solvent evaporation. The obtained structures were characterized in terms of morphology (SEM and micro-CT), thermo-mechanical properties (DMTA), shape recovery behavior in compression mode, and in vitro cytocompatibility (MG63 Osteoblast-like cell line).
Results: The fabrication process enabled easy control of scaffold morphology, pore size, and pore shape by varying the gelatin microsphere morphology. Homogeneous spherical and interconnected pores have been achieved together with the preservation of shape memory ability, with recovery rate up to 90%. Regardless of pore dimensions, MG63 cells were observed adhering and spreading onto the inner surface of the scaffolds obtained for up to seven days of static in vitro tests.
Conclusions: A new class of SMP porous structures has been obtained and tested in vitro: according to these preliminary results reported, SMP scaffolds can be further exploited in the design of a new class of implantable devices.
J Appl Biomater Funct Mater 2012; 10(2): 119 - 126
Article Type: ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
DOI:10.5301/JABFM.2012.9706
Authors
Luigi De Nardo, Serena Bertoldi, Alberto Cigada, Maria Cristina Tanzi, Håvard Jostein Haugen, Silvia Farè
Article History
- • Accepted on 29/12/2011
- • Available online on 26/09/2012
- • Published online on 27/09/2012
This article is available as full text PDF.
Authors
- De Nardo, Luigi
[PubMed]
[Google Scholar]
Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milano - Italy
- Bertoldi, Serena
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Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano - Italy
- Cigada, Alberto
[PubMed]
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Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milano - Italy
- Tanzi, Maria Cristina
[PubMed]
[Google Scholar]
Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano - Italy
- Haugen, Håvard Jostein
[PubMed]
[Google Scholar]
Biomaterials Department, Institute for Clinical Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo - Norway
- Farè, Silvia
[PubMed]
[Google Scholar]
Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano - Italy
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