Morphological and Physiochemical Characteristics of biodegradable PLGA-Gelatin Scaffolds by Unidirectional Freezing Technique

In this study, we fabricated 3-dimentional PLGA-gelatin scaffolds with aligned-oriented pores by freeze casting technique which is similar to Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM), and evaluated its effect on both physical and mechanical features. Dissolving synthetic (PLGA) and natural (Gelatin) polymers in common solvent was one of the strengths of this investigation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs indicated that scaffolds contained 95% interconnected pores with diameter about 50 - 400 µm in horizontal direction and 50 - 200 µm in vertical direction. Moreover, the results of mercury intrusion porosimetry represented diameter of pores in range of 100 – 300 µm. According to fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum there was no inappropriate interactions during processing. Additionally, mechanical analysis (3.2 MPa) of PLGA-gelatin constructs illustrated that polymeric scaffolds can withstand mechanical loads in freezing direction. Based on the water absorption (950%) and biodegradation results, samples can support cellular interactions and prevent their integrity during tissue regeneration. In brief, freeze casted PLGA-gelatin scaffolds can provide unidirectional matrix with desired physical and mechanical characters to regenerate lesions.