Characterizing cell recruitment into isotropic and anisotropic biomaterials by quantification of spatial density gradients .

The success of cell-free tissue engineering approaches depends on an appropriate recruitment of autologous cells from neighboring tissues. This identifies cellular migration as a critical parameter for the pre-clinical characterization of biomaterials. Here, we present a new method to quantify both the extent and the spatial anisotropy of cell migration .

The Degradation of Synthetic Polymeric Scaffolds With Strut-like Architecture Influences the Mechanics-dependent Repair Process of an Osteochondral Defect .

Current clinical treatments of osteochondral defects in articulating joints are frequently not successful in restoring articular surfaces. Novel scaffold-based tissue engineering strategies may help to improve current treatment options and foster a true regeneration of articulating structures. A frequently desired property of scaffolds is their ability to degrade over time and allow a full restoration of tissue and function.

Custom-Made Poly(urethane) Coatings Improve the Mechanical Properties of Bioactive Glass Scaffolds Designed for Bone Tissue Engineering.

The replication method is a widely used technique to produce bioactive glass (BG) scaffolds mimicking trabecular bone. However, these scaffolds usually exhibit poor mechanical reliability and fast degradation, which can be improved by coating them with a polymer. In this work, we proposed the use of custom-made poly(urethane)s (PURs) as coating materials for 45S5 Bioglass-based scaffolds.

Inner strut morphology is the key parameter in producing highly porous and mechanically stable poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds via selective laser sintering.

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an established method to produce dimensionally accurate scaffolds for tissue engineering (TE) applications, especially in bone. In this context, the FDA-approved, biodegradable polymer poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) has been suggested as a suitable scaffold material. However, PCL scaffold mechanical stability - an attribute of particular importance in the field of bone TE - was not considered as a primary target for SLS process parameters optimization so far.

Scaffold-Dependent Mechanical and Architectural Cues Guide Osteochondral Defect Healing .

Osteochondral defects in joints require surgical intervention to relieve pain and restore function. However, no current treatment enables a complete reconstitution of the articular surface. It is known that both mechanical and biological factors play a key role on osteochondral defect healing, however the underlying principles and how they can be used in the design of treatment strategies remain largely unknown.