3d strain distribution via DVC in electrospun hierarchical scaffolds for tendon/ligament regeneration

Tendons/ligaments (T/L) regeneration is complex since scaffolds must have a nanometric fibrous structure and ensure appropriate biomimetic mechanical properties [1]. Electrospinning can replicate T/L from the fibrillarlevel up to the whole tissue [1,2]. Recently, Poly-Llactic acid/Collagen (PLLA/Coll) based, electrospun bundles and hierarchical scaffolds (EHS) have demonstrated to drive fibroblasts morphology and alignment both in static and dynamic cultures [3,4]. However, the full-field strain distribution, which drives the cellular fate, morphology and extracellular-matrix production on these structures at work, is totally unexplored so far. To achieve this goal, digital volume correlation (DVC) has proven to be a suitable technique [5]. This study aims at developing the first micro-CT in situ protocol in literature, to investigate the multiscale full-field strain distribution of electrospun scaffolds using DVC.