The influence of the molecular weight of polymer on the morphology, functional properties and L929 fibroblasts growth on polylactide membranes for tissue engineering

The main goal of tissue engineering (TE) is supporting the regeneration of damaged tissues that are difficult to regenerate. The experimental results of the preparation of semi-permeable membranes for cell cultures are presented. The effect of the PLA molecular weight and addition of pore precursors on the morphology of the membranes was studied. The pore precursor of choice was polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). It was found that semi-permeable membranes for application in tissue engineering can be prepared with polylactides of molecular weight more significant than 37,000 g/mol. Moreover, it was observed that the growth of the molecular weight of the polymer, the porosity, the size of the pores, the Young modulus and maximum tensile increased. Additionally, to obtain a better morphology of the membranes, PVP should be added to the polymeric solution. Positive growth of L929 fibroblast cells on the obtained scaffolds was shown. [GRAPHICS] .