Abstract
Microstructural responses to the mechanical load of polymers used in tissue engineering is notably important for qualification at in vivo testing, although insufficiently studied, especially regarding promising polycaprolactone (PCL). For further investigations, electrospun PCL scaffolds with different degrees of fiber alignment were produced, using two discrete relative drum collector velocities. Development and preparation of an adjusted sample geometry enabled in situ tensile testing in scanning electron microscopy. By analyzing the microstructure and the use of selected tracking techniques, it was possible to visualize and quantify fiber/fiber area displacements as well as local fractures of single PCL fibers, considering quasi-static tensile load and fiber alignment. The possibility of displacement determination using in situ scanning electron microscopy techniques for testing fibrous PCL scaffolds was introduced and quantified.
Highlights
In the context of modern medicine, transplantations and implantations are a fundamental part of advanced therapy
A major aspect of tissue engineering (TE) is the recreation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which presents different micro- and macroscopic fiber structures [3,4,5]
In addition to a higher resolution, SEM recordings provide a higher depth of focus in comparison to light microscopy images
Summary
In the context of modern medicine, transplantations and implantations are a fundamental part of advanced therapy. This leads to new challenges, such as the increasing demand and the following shortages of donor organs [1,2]. A major aspect of TE is the recreation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which presents different micro- and macroscopic fiber structures [3,4,5]. With this in mind, polymers are commonly used materials in TE [6,7,8].
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