A Continuous Pore Size Gradient PLLA Scaffold For Osteochondral Regeneration

Abstract

Osteochondral (OC) scaffold-based regenerative approaches in the joint are challenging since the scaffold must provide mechanical strength while also mimicking the local cartilage and bone microenvironments. Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS) can produce scaffolds with a wide range of pore size morphologies/distributions. Here, we produced by TIPS a poly-L-lactide (PLL A) scaffold with a continuous pore size gradient along the sample thickness, from ~70μm diameter on one side to ~200 μm diameter on the opposite surface.