Morphology and properties of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) scaffolds: Impact of process variables

• A simple method was utilized to fabricate highly porous scaffold with 3D-interconnected pores.
• Entrapment of air bubbles and ice removal contributed to the high porosity of the scaffolds.
• All materials involved are non-toxic to the cells.
• The scaffolds retained their physical integrity for over 24 days.

Successful engineering of functional biological substitutes requires scaffolds with three-dimensional interconnected porous structure, controllable rate of biodegradation, and ideal mechanical strength. In this study, we report the development and characterization of micro-porous PVA scaffolds fabricated by freeze drying method. The impact of molecular weight of PVA, surfactant concentration, foaming time, and stirring speed on pore characteristics, mechanical properties, swelling ratio, and rate of degradation of the scaffolds was characterized. Results show that a foaming time of 60 s, a stirring speed of 1000 rpm, and a surfactant concentration of 5% yielded scaffolds with rigid structure but with interconnected pores. Study also demonstrated that increased foaming time increased porosity and swelling ratio and reduced the rigidity of the samples.

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