Development of a novel low-temperature deposition machine using screw extrusion to fabricate poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) acid scaffolds

Abstract

Scaffolds are of great importance to the success of tissue engineering. Poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) acid is one of the most commonly used biopolymers. This study develops a novel low-temperature deposition machine using screw extrusion to fabricate poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) acid scaffolds. The screw extrusion process of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) acid is analysed, and the relationship between flow rate and processing parameters is examined. This relationship provides guidelines for optimizing the processing parameters. The major components and design strategy of the fabrication system are introduced. Measures are proposed to control the leakage of materials, and optimal processing parameters are determined. The machine is also equipped with a double-screw extrusion nozzle system; preliminary results demonstrate its capacity to fabricate gradient scaffolds. Porous structure characterization using mercury porosimetry demonstrates that the fabrication system is able to fabricate poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) acid scaffolds that are both macroporous and microporous. © IMechE 2014.