Evaluation of mechanical and biodegradable properties on composite scaffolds composed of three-dimensional fabric structure

Abstract

In the aim of tissue regeneration of an alveolar bone, we developed three-dimensional fabric structural composite scaffolds using a bioabsorbable polymer. This scaffold consists of a polylactic acid (PLLA) resin fiber and a 75/25 poly L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) copolymer resin coat. Scaffold is woven on a new-type of three-dimensional loom, has high porosity (89%) and continuous hole. The compressive rigidity and collapse strength of scaffold are increased due to the resin bonding between fiber intersections. The strength of scaffold that did a dip to phosphoric acid buffer solution (PBS) decreased in half due to the hydrolysis in six weeks. Mouse osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-E1) were seeded onto the scaffolds and cultured in vitro for six weeks. The cells proliferated during in culture and formed a space-filling tissue between polymer fibers. Bone regenerative messenger ALP/DNA levels remained high compared with those one of culture dish. Mineralization of the deposited collagen on scaffold was initially observed at four weeks. Culture of cell on scaffold constructs for six weeks led to formation of a bone tissue. © 2008 The Society of Materials Science.