The Characterization of PLGA/Small Intestinal Submucosa Composites as Scaffolds for Intervertebral Disc

In order to application for the tissue engineered intervertebral disc (IVD), we designed the synthetic/natural hybrid scaffolds with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and small intestine submucosa (SIS). SIS has been widely used as a biomaterial because SIS consists of various collagens and cytokines. SIS, however, possesses disadvantages such as their weak mechanical properties and uncontrolled degradation. Novel composite scaffolds of PLGA/SIS were manufactured by simple immersion method of PLGA scaffolds in SIS solution under vacuum. Then SIS was crosslinked. Also, PLGA scaffolds and SIS sponges were manufactured by solvent casting/salt leaching and freeze-dried methods, respectively. We evaluated pore structure, porosity, water absorption ability and cell viability of three types of scaffolds for the application of IVD.