균일한 다공성과 친수성을 지닌 생분해성 고분자 담체의 제조 및 분석 = Preparation and Characterization of PLGA Scaffolds with Uniform Porosity and Hydrophilicity

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Most synthetic biodegradable polymers have limitations for some applications in tissue engineering because of their hydrophobic character. When cells in culture medium are seeded into the interior of a porous hydrophobic polymer scaffold, the majority of its pores remain empty. It is important to obtain a uniform distribution of initial seeded cells throughout the scaffold volume for the creation of a tissue with homogeneous cellularity by cell culture. In this study, we blended poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA; lactic to glycolic acid molar ratio, 50:50) with Tween 80 (polysorobate 80) to improve the hydrophilicity and cell adhesiveness of PLGA. PLGA/Tween 80 blend films and porous scaffolds with different Tween 80 compositions were fabricated by solvent casting and particulate-containing melt molding compression methods, respectively. Their surface and bulk properties (water contact angle, wetting and soaking properties, weight loss, Tg, mechanical strength, etc.) were examined. The scaffolds were also examined for their in vitro and in vivo tissue compatibility. In vitro experiment was conducted by cell (chondrocytes) culture. For in vivo evaluation, the scaffolds were implanted into the cartilage of external ear and the skull of rabbits. After 4 and 8 weeks, the cartilage and bone grafts were excised. The results were evaluated by morphology and histology examination, and MTT assay. The PLGA/Tween 80 blend scaffolds were found to have high hydrophilicity, good flexibility, and improved cell or tissue compatibility. The scaffolds are expected to be directly applicable for tissue regeneration without any pre-wetting treatment.