Preparation of porous poly(ɛ-caprolactone) scaffolds by gas foaming process and in vitro/in vivo degradation behavior using γ-ray irradiation

Macroporous poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds were prepared by gas foaming/salt leaching method. Their degradation behaviors were investigated as a function of radiation dose (total dose; 50, 100, 200, and 300 kGy: dose rate; 10 kGy/h) in vitro and in vivo. The PCL scaffolds have porosity of 86–96.8%. The porosity and mechanical strength could be controlled by the adjustment of an acid–base gas evolving reaction between citric acid and ammonium bicarbonate. The irradiated scaffolds were degraded faster than unirradiated ones. And scaffolds were degraded more slowly in vitro than in vivo regardless of irradiated or unirradiated ones.