L4 - Scaffolds

Question 1

What is the purpose of a scaffold?

Answer 1

• privde support for cells
• deliver and retain cells and bioactive materials
• an artificial ECM

Question 2

What needs to be considered when designing a scaffold?

Answer 2

Raw material and how it will interact with cells. How the scaffold will be penetrated by the vasculature.

Question 3

What biomaterials are used in scaffold design?

Answer 3

Degradable with non-toxic by products. It must degenerate at the same rate cells produce the ECM.

Question 4

How do cells attach to the scaffold?

Answer 4

Use materials with surface properties that promote attachment. Addition of RGD domain promotes attachment of cells to scaffold.

Question 5

What is an acellular tissue matrix?

Answer 5

A decellularized tissue. All the cellular components have been removed and intricate structures that are difficult to replicate can be preserved.

Question 6

What happens if a matrix is incompletely decellularised?

Answer 6

Endotoxin/bacteria contamination

Crosslinking - scar tissue and encapsulation

Question 7

How does porosity play a role in scaffold design?

Answer 7

Porosity allows perfusion - increase nutrients getting to cells/ better vascular penetration
Too many pores weaken the mechanical strength of the scaffold

Question 8

What are the properties of an ideal scaffold?

Answer 8

Adequate mechanical properties 
Allows cell attachment and function
Accessible
Allows tissue integration and vascularisation 
Biodegradable material

Question 9

How are scaffolds fabricated?

Answer 9

Porogen leaching, phase separation, electrospinning and additive manufacturing (e.g. 3D printing)

Question 10

Can biomolecules be added to scaffold?

Answer 10

Yes. Addition of biomolecules can stimulate growth and recruit specific cell types.