Design of textile scaffolds for tissue engineering: The use of biodegradable yarns

The emergence of tissue engineering has led to the development of three-dimensional cellular scaffolds that reconstruct the tissue structure. Research into the use of biodegradable materials in scaffolds has grown; the aim is that when tissue growth is complete, the scaffold degrades completely. This research aims to design novel scaffolds and investigates biodegradable polylactide (PLA) yarns; in particular, poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) yarns extruded in-house. To study degradation and determine the effect on the biodegradable yarns/textiles, they were immersed in phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH = 7.4) for various durations at 37°C. Mechanical properties were evaluated on tensile testing rigs and they were observed, before and after the immersion period. Cells were then cultured (37°C, 5 per cent carbon dioxide in air) on the textiles for 1 week. As expected, after immersion, the yarns exhibit a decrease in elongation and tenacity. Initial results indicate that the yarn properties influence cell attachment and spreading. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.