Many porous scaffolds have been prepared for tissue engineering from naturally derived polymers such as collagen, and synthetic polymers such as poly (glycolic acid) (PGA), poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). However, development of functional porous scaffolds with controlled pore structures and high mechanical properties remains a great challenge.

To control the porous structure of porous scaffolds, we developed a template method by using biodegradable polymer template and ice particulate template. Collagen mesh scaffolds were prepared by using a PLGA knitted mesh as a template. At first a hybrid mesh of PLGA knitted and collagen was prepared by forming web-like collagen microsponges in the openings of a PLGA knitted mesh. And then the PLGA knitted mesh was selectively removed. Collagen sponge with an open surface structure was prepared by using embossing ice particulates as a template. Ice particulates were formed on a plate and collagen aqueous solution was poured onto them. The collagen sponge was prepared after freeze-drying. These collagen scaffolds were used for cell culture of human dermal fibroblasts. The open surface and interconnected porous structures facilitated cell seeding and cell distribution.

To improve the mechanical properties of porous scaffolds, we developed a hybridization method to prepare hybrid scaffolds of synthetic and naturally derived polymers. PLLA-collagen and PLGA-collagen hybrid porous scaffolds were prepared by forming collagen sponge in a PLLA sponge cylinder mold or a PLGA mesh cylinder mold. The PLLA sponge and PLGA mesh cylinder molds provided the hybrid scaffolds with high mechanical strength. The collagen sponge caged in the PLLA sponge or PLGA mesh cylinder mold facilitated cell seeding and cell distribution. Cartilage-like tissue was regenerated when mesenchymal stem cells or chondrocytes were cultured in the hybrid scaffolds.

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