ABSTRACT
Scaffolds made from biodegradable materials play an important role in tissue engineering as a temporary support for cellular survival. An ideal scaffold for tissue engineering applications must demonstrate adequate strength and good properties to sustain cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. We constructed a PLGA-collagen hybrid scaffold with interconnected macro-channels via a Rapid Prototyping (RP) based Multi-nozzle Low-temperature Deposition and Manufacturing (M-LDM) system. Preliminary results show that the scaffold possesses interconnected micro-pores and macro-pores; the collagen sponge is strongly absorbed to PLGA matrices and a stable mesh is formed; the hybrid scaffold possesses stronger mechanical properties compared to collagen sponge and better hydrophilicity compared to PLGA scaffold; and this hybrid scaffold would be potentially used in bone and cartilage regeneration.
