Functionally Graded Scaffolds
Functionally Graded Scaffolds - Related Videos
13:46
A Facile and Eco-friendly Route to Fabricate Poly(Lactic Acid) Scaffolds with Graded Pore Size
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Cited by 18 •
2016
In this work, poly(lactic acid)/polyethylene glycol (PLA/PEG) scaffolds were prepared by using a combination of melt mixing and selective leaching. The method herein discussed permitted to develop three-layer scaffolds by highly controlling both porosity and pore size. The mechanical properties were also evaluated in a physiological environment.
06:53
Additive Manufacturing of Functionally Graded Ceramic Materials by Stereolithography
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Cited by 30 •
2019
This manuscript describes the processing of single multifunctional ceramic components (e.g., combinations of dense-porous structures) additively manufactured by stereolithography.
07:28
Imaging Cell Viability on Non-transparent Scaffolds — Using the Example of a Novel Knitted Titanium Implant
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Cited by 6 •
2016
Here we present a fluorophore based imaging technique to detect cell viability on a non-transparent titanium scaffold as well as to detect glimpses of the scaffold impurities. This protocol troubleshoots the drawback of imaging cell-cell or cell-metal interactions on non-transparent scaffolds.
04:33
Decellularized Porcine Esophageal Scaffold Preparation: A Technique to Generate Acellular Scaffold from a Pig Esophagus
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2023
In this video, we demonstrate the preparation of a decellularized pig esophagus scaffold, with its biochemical architecture and composition preserved, for tissue engineering applications.
08:35
Elastomeric PGS Scaffolds in Arterial Tissue Engineering
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Cited by 21 •
2011
Elastomeric PGS scaffolds with vascular smooth muscle cells cultured in a pulsatile flow bioreactor may lead to promising small-diameter arterial constructs with native ECM production in a relatively short culture period.
FAQs
Spatial variation creates a controlled transition between regions rather than forcing one scaffold environment to serve tissues with different needs. Gradually changing architecture, composition, or physical properties can support progressive changes in cell behavior and mechanical response. This arrangement may improve integration across tissue interfaces by coordinating biological support with local load-transfer requirements.
Several variables can be varied across the construct, including material distribution, pore size, stiffness, degradation rate, and biochemical signals. Each produces a different local environment for cells and surrounding tissue. Selecting among these variables allows a design to address mechanical, structural, transport, or biological changes that occur across the target repair site.
An abrupt interface can create a sharp change in mechanical behavior between neighboring regions, increasing the likelihood of stress concentrations. A graded transition distributes that change across a broader region, which can improve load transfer between dissimilar tissues. This principle is especially relevant when a construct must connect tissues with substantially different mechanical and biological requirements.
Local changes in pore structure, stiffness, material composition, or biochemical signaling can alter the environment experienced by cells at different scaffold positions. These spatially varied conditions may support cell attachment, differentiation, and nutrient transport in a coordinated pattern. Such control is valuable when regeneration requires distinct cellular responses across one continuous tissue-engineering construct.
Design begins by identifying the differing biological and mechanical requirements of the tissues or regions being connected. Researchers then choose scaffold variables that can change spatially, such as stiffness, pore size, material distribution, degradation rate, or biochemical signals. The resulting gradient is evaluated according to its ability to support integration, transport, cell behavior, and load transfer.
Researchers may choose this approach when a repair site contains adjacent tissues that do not share the same mechanical or biological requirements. A uniform scaffold may provide only one dominant environment, whereas a graded design can better match regional differences. This makes the strategy relevant to complex interfaces where controlled transitions may improve integration and reduce mechanical stress concentrations.
Important applications include bone-to-cartilage and tendon-to-bone repair, both of which require connection across regions with different properties. By varying scaffold characteristics across the construct, designers can seek more appropriate local support while maintaining continuity between tissues. The broader goal is to promote reliable integration in regenerative medicine and support the development of improved implants.