Effect of pore sizes of PLGA scaffolds on mechanical properties and cell behaviour for nucleus pulposus regeneration in vivo

This study investigated the influence of pore sizes of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds on the compressive strength of tissue-engineered biodiscs and selection of the best suitable pore size for cells to grow in vivo. PLGA scaffolds were fabricated by solvent casting/salt-leaching with pore sizes of 90–180, 180–250, 250–355 and 355–425 µm. Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were seeded on PLGA scaffolds with various pore sizes. Each sample was harvested at each time point, after retrieval of PLGA scaffolds seeded with NP cells, which were implanted into subcutaneous spaces in nude mice at 4 and 6 weeks. MTT assay, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) assay, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, safranin O staining and immunohistochemistry (for collagen type II) were performed at each time point. As the pores became smaller, the value of the compressive strength of the scaffold was increased. The group of scaffolds with pore sizes of 90–250 µm showed better cell proliferation and ECM production. These results demonstrated that the compressive strength of the scaffold was improved while the scaffold had pore sizes in the range 90–250 µm and good cell interconnectivity. Suitable space in the scaffold for cell viability is a key factor for cell metabolism.