Preparation of PLGA-collagen hybrid scaffolds with controlled pore structures for cartilage tissue engineering

Scaffolds used for cartilage tissue engineering should have high mechanical strength and well-controlled pore structure to provide suitable microenvironments for functional tissue regeneration. In this study, hybrid scaffolds which had open and interconnected pore structure and high mechanical property were prepared by hybridization of PLGA mesh and collagen using ice particulates as porogen templates. Embossing ice particulates template was used to form open pore structures on the scaffold surfaces. Free ice particulates were used to generate interconnected bulk pores in the scaffolds. Hybridization with PLGA mesh provided the scaffolds with high mechanical property. Bovine articular chondrocytes were cultured in the hybrid scaffolds. The unique pore structures facilitated the homogeneous distribution of chondrocytes and cartilaginous matrices throughout the scaffolds. Subcutaneous implantation demonstrated cartilage-like tissue regeneration. The hybrid scaffolds should have a high potential for cartilage tissue engineering.