ISSN: 1546-962X
Page Count: 10

Basics of Polymeric Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Agrawal, CM
Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas, TX

Carter, J
Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas, TX

Ong, JL
Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas, TX

Abstract

This review article argues the case that there is a need for careful scaffold science for successful tissue engineering. Polymeric scaffolds should possess certain essential properties. However, these properties are not independent of each other and thus the development of a scaffold requires an optimization process. The article reviews several scaffold fabrication processes to highlight the complexity of the field. Issues related to porosity, permeability, and the need for adequate diffusion characteristics are discussed. Several previous studies on the effects of mixing in bioreactors are reviewed. Lastly, surface modification techniques are presented. In particular, recent work related to glow discharge gas plasma modification of biodegradable polymers is discussed.

Keywords:
scaffold science, tissue engineering, fabrication techniques, diffusion, porosity, permeability, surface modification, surface properties, biodegradable, polymer

Paper ID: JAI100428
DOI: 10.1520/JAI100428
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