Porous scaffolds of a random copolymer of ω-pentadecalactone (PDL) and ε-caprolactone (CL) (poly(PDL-CL)), synthesized by biocatalysis, are fabricated by supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) foaming. The copolymer, containing 31 mol% CL units, is highly crystalline (Tm = 82 °C, DHm = 105 J/g) thanks to the ability of the two monomer units to co-crystallize. The copolymer can be successfully foamed upon homogenous absorption of scCO2 at T > Tm. The effect of soaking time, depressurization rate and cooling rate on scaffold porosity, pore size distribution and pore interconnectivity is investigated by Micro X-ray Computed Tomography. Scaffolds with porosity in the range from 42% to 76% and average pore size from 100 micron to 375 micron respectively are successfully obtained by suitably adjusting the main foaming parameters. Process conditions in the range investigated do not affect the crystallinity degree of poly(PDL-CL) scaffolds. Preliminary study of scaffold mechanical properties reveals that poly(PDL-CL) foams may find applications for the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
C. Gualandi, L. J. White, L. Chen, R. A. Gross, K. M. Shakesheff, S. M. Howdle, et al. (2010). Scaffold for tissue engineering from non-isothermal supercritical carbon dioxide foaming of a highly crystalline polyester. ACTA BIOMATERIALIA, 6, 130-136 [10.1016/j.actbio.2009.07.020].
Scaffold for tissue engineering from non-isothermal supercritical carbon dioxide foaming of a highly crystalline polyester
GUALANDI, CHIARA;SCANDOLA, MARIASTELLA
2010
Abstract
Porous scaffolds of a random copolymer of ω-pentadecalactone (PDL) and ε-caprolactone (CL) (poly(PDL-CL)), synthesized by biocatalysis, are fabricated by supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) foaming. The copolymer, containing 31 mol% CL units, is highly crystalline (Tm = 82 °C, DHm = 105 J/g) thanks to the ability of the two monomer units to co-crystallize. The copolymer can be successfully foamed upon homogenous absorption of scCO2 at T > Tm. The effect of soaking time, depressurization rate and cooling rate on scaffold porosity, pore size distribution and pore interconnectivity is investigated by Micro X-ray Computed Tomography. Scaffolds with porosity in the range from 42% to 76% and average pore size from 100 micron to 375 micron respectively are successfully obtained by suitably adjusting the main foaming parameters. Process conditions in the range investigated do not affect the crystallinity degree of poly(PDL-CL) scaffolds. Preliminary study of scaffold mechanical properties reveals that poly(PDL-CL) foams may find applications for the regeneration of cartilage tissue.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
