Novel (Poly)caprolactone (PCL) Scaffold Architecture for Tendon Tissue Engineering Applications

摘要

Controlling fiber diameter and growth factor concentration suggest a way to create the optimal conditions for tenogenic differentiation. The results suggest potential for bioinstructive geometry as a way to use structure and shape to encourage cell growth down specific lineages. Future studies include mechanical tests such as tensile tests to determine toe regions and Young's moduli which the ultimate goal to reach human tendon values (toe region typically falls in the 0% to 3% range and E=~1.2GPa). The cellular interactions will also be investigated by seeding cells on the constructs with optimized diameter, pattern, and GDF-5 concentration and culturing with time in a bioreactor which will simulate an environment for the cells with incorporation of physiological cyclic stretch. This proposal suggests a solution for tendon regeneration that could span to further ligament and other bone insertion research.