(OP 99) Electrospun Polymeric Meshes for Application in Bone and Cartilage Regeneration

• Published in: Tissue engineering. Part A 2008-05, Vol.14 (5), p.726-726
• Main Authors: Puppi, D, Detta, N, Piras, A M, Chiellini, F, Fascione, I, Chiellini, E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1937-3341; 1937-335X

A successful approach in tissue engineering practice is related to the development of bioactive scaffolds with proper biocompatibility, morphology and mechanical strength. In this work, the evaluation and processing of raw polymeric materials, the characterization of the manufactured systems and their culturing in dynamic environment are performed. Three-arm star poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL*), 88% hydrolyzed polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), were processed by means of a customized electrospinning apparatus allowing control over applied voltage, solution flow rate, aeration and collection shape and size. Processing conditions were optimized and correlated to morphology and mechanical properties of the collected meshes. Morphology and mechanical properties of PCL* meshes were significantly affected by flow rate (e.g. fiber diameter of 1,5 micron at 1 ml/h and 2,75 micron at 16 ml/h). Cytocompatibility in vitro tests on these meshes showed cell viability at 12th day. PVA meshes displayed fiber size ranging between 100-500 nm and strength and strain at break comparable to those of human articular cartilage. Mesh stabilization in aqueous environment was accomplished by glutaraldehyde crosslinking, without affecting fibers morphology. Regarding PLGA fibrous meshes, the fiber size depended mostly on voltage and flow rate, varying within 1 and 5 micron. The loading of active agents was also approached by preparing albumin-loaded PVA meshes and retinoic acid-loaded PLGA meshes. Preliminary testing showed encouraging results in terms of effective loading and controlled release. Finally, in order to perform dynamic cell culture onto the optimized meshes, a bioreactor system allowing for the employment of either a perfusion or a rotating wall chamber was designed.