In vitro degradation of fibrous bilayer poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds.

Polymer degradation and mechanical properties are of paramount importance in tissue engineering. The degradation rate of polymeric scaffolds is influenced by several important material and environmental factors. In particular, the mechanical support provided by the scaffold to the surrounding tissue during tissue regeneration is critical for that it directly impacts the cell behavior through mechanical signals sensed by mechanoreceptors on the cell surface.

An overview of the tribological and mechanical properties of PEEK and CFR-PEEK for use in total joint replacements.

Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and PEEK composites are outstanding candidates for biomedical applications, such as orthopedic devices, where biocompatibility and modulus match with surrounding tissue are requisite for long-term success. The mechanical properties can be optimized by incorporating fillers such as continuous and chopped carbon fibers. While much is known about the mechanical and tribological behavior of PEEK composites, there are few articles that summarize the viability of using PEEK reinforced with carbon fibers in orthopedic implants.

Novel Electrospun Polycaprolactone/Calcium Alginate Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Engineering.

After decades of research, fully functional skin regeneration is still a challenge. Skin is a multilayered complex organ exhibiting a cascading healing process affected by various mechanisms. Specifically, nutrients, oxygen, and biochemical signals can lead to specific cell behavior, ultimately conducive to the formation of high-quality tissue.

Design Challenges in Polymeric Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering.

Numerous surgical procedures are daily performed worldwide to replace and repair damaged tissue. Tissue engineering is the field devoted to the regeneration of damaged tissue through the incorporation of cells in biocompatible and biodegradable porous constructs, known as scaffolds. The scaffolds act as host biomaterials of the incubating cells, guiding their attachment, growth, differentiation, proliferation, phenotype, and migration for the development of new tissue.