ABSTRACT
In designing a scaffold, the selection of the right biomaterial is significant. The main requirements for the development of scaffolds will focus on creating synthetic nano-and micro-environments, providing 3D support to control and direct cellular behaviour, and to promote specific cell interactions. The main properties affecting scaffolds’ performance include biocompatibility; porosity and pore size (to facilitate oxygen, nutrients, and waste transfer, as well as tissue integration and rapid vascularisation); appropriate surface chemistry (including pH and surface charge) to favour cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation; mechanical properties; controlled biodegradability; and the ability to integrate in the implantation site and promote cell-substrate interaction.4 These materials are categorised in different classes such as natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic materials.
