Bi-/multi-modal pore formation of PLGA/hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds by heterogeneous nucleation in supercritical CO2 foaming

Scaffolds with multimodal pore structure are essential to cells differentiation and proliferation in bone tissue engineering.Bi-/multi-modal porous PLGA/hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds were prepared by supercritical CO_2 foaming in which hydroxyapatite acted as heterogeneous nucleation agent.Bimodal porous scaffolds were prepared under certain conditions,i.e.hydroxyapatite addition of 5%,depressurization rate of 0.3 MPa·min~(-1),soaking temperature of 55℃,and pressure of 9 MPa.And scaffolds presented specific structure of small pores(122 μm±66 μm)in the cellular walls of large pores(552μm±127μm).Furthermore,multimodal porous PLGA scaffolds with micro-pores(37 μm±11 μm)were obtained at low soaking pressure of 7.5 MPa.The interconnected porosity of scaffolds ranged from(52.53±2.69)% to(83.08±2.42)%by adjusting depressurization rate,while compression modulus satisfied the requirement of bone tissue engineering.Solvent-free CO_2 foaming method is promising to fabricate bi-/multi-modal porous scaffolds in one step,and bioactive particles for osteogenesis could serve as nucleation agents.     

Fabrication of bimodal porous PLGA scaffolds by supercritical CO2 foaming/particle leaching technique

Specific pore structure is a vital essential for scaffolds applied in tissue engineering. In this article, poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds with a bimodal pore structure including macropores and micropores to facilitate nutrient transfer and cell adhesion were fabricated by combining supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂) foaming with particle leaching technique. Three kinds of NaCl particles with different scales (i.e., 100–250, <75, <10 μm) were used as porogens, respectively. In particular, heterogeneous nucleation occurred to modify scCO₂ foaming/particle leaching process when NaCl submicron particles (<10 μm) were used as porogens. The observation of PLGA scaffolds gave a formation of micropores (pore size <10 μm) in the cellular walls of macropores (pore size around 100–300 μm) to present a bimodal pore structure. With different mass fractions of NaCl introduced, the porosity of PLGA scaffolds ranged from 68.4 ± 1.4 to 88.7 ± 0.4% for three NaCl porogens. The results of SEM, EDS, and in vitro cytotoxicity test of PLGA scaffolds showed that they had uniform structures and were compatible for cell proliferation with no toxicity. This novel scCO₂ foaming/particle leaching method was promising in tissue engineering due to its ability to fabricate scaffolds with precise pore structure and high porosity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43644.     

Highly interconnected macroporous MBG/PLGA scaffolds with enhanced mechanical and biological properties via green foaming strategy

In this study, mesoporous bioactive glass particles (MBGs) are incorporated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to fabricate highly interconnected macroporous composite scaffolds with enhanced mechanical and biological properties via a developed supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) foaming method. Scaffolds show favorable highly interconnected and macroporous structure through a high foaming pressure and long venting time foaming strategy. Specifically, scaffolds with porosity from 73% to 85%, pore size from 120 μm to 320 μm and interconnectivity of over 95% are controllably fabricated at MBG content from 0 wt% to 20 wt%. In comparison with neat PLGA scaffolds, composite scaffolds perform improved strength (up to 1.5 folds) and Young's modulus (up to 3 folds). The interconnected macroporous structure is beneficial to the ingrowth of cells. More importantly, composite scaffolds also provide a more promising microenvironment for cellular proliferation and adhesion with the release of bioactive ions. Hopefully, MBG/PLGA scaffolds developed by the green foaming strategy in this work show promising morphological, mechanical and biological features for tissue regeneration.     

Supercritical CO2 deposition and foaming process for fabrication of biopolyester–ZnO bone scaffolds

Subsequent supercritical CO₂‐assisted deposition and foaming process followed by in situ synthesis was used to fabricate functional polylactide (PLA) and polylactide–poly(?‐caprolactone) (PLA–PCL) bone scaffolds. Deposition of zinc bis(2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetonate) as a ZnO precursor onto biopolyester substrates (30 MPa; 110 °C) was followed by fast depressurization to create cellular structure. Contact time was optimized regarding the deposition yield (2 h), while PCL content in PLA was varied (1–10 wt %). Scaffolds impregnated with the precursor were treated with hydrazine alcoholic solution to obtain biopolyester–ZnO composites. Precursor synthesis and deposition onto the scaffolds was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared. Processed scaffolds had micron‐sized pores (d₅₀ ～ 20 μm). High open porosity (69–77%) and compressive strength values (2.8–8.3 MPa) corresponded to those reported for trabecular bone. PLA blending with PCL positively affected precursor deposition, crystallization rate, and compressive strength of the scaffolds. It also improved PLA surface roughness and wettability which are relevant for cell adhesion. ZnO improved compressive strength of the PLA scaffolds without significant effect on thermal stability. Analysis of structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of biopolyester–ZnO scaffolds testified a great potential of the obtained platforms as bone scaffolds. Proposed processing route is straightforward and ecofriendly, fast, easy to control, and suitable for processing of thermosensitive polymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45824.     

Study on development and in vitro biodegradation behaviour of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) 75/25 bioscaffolds

Abstract

Three-dimensional porous scaffolds based on biodegradable polymers are widely researched for applications to replace and restore the functions of diseased or damaged organs. The requirements for the scaffolds include: highly interconnected pore structures to facilitate cell adhesion for tissue regeneration, maintenance of mechanical properties and structural integrity until cells adapt to its environment and biodegradability with a controlled degradation rate. This paper focuses on the development and in vitro biodegradation behaviour of poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide acid) (PLGA) 75/25 and changes on pore morphology affected by initial pore sizes and degradation media. The pore morphology, mechanical properties, and geometric transformation were examined over the course of 13 weeks. It is concluded that the PLGA 75/25 scaffolds degraded after seven weeks and completely degraded after 13 weeks. The degradation time of scaffolds with small pores and in distilled water was comparatively shorter due to poorer interconnectivity of the pores and a more aggressive environment.     

Chitosan/gelatin porous bone scaffolds made by crosslinking treatment and freeze‐drying technology: Effects of crosslinking durations on the porous structure,compressive strength,and in vitro cytotoxicity

In this study, freezing was used to separate a solute (polymer) and solvent (deionized water). The polymer in the ice crystals was then crosslinked with solvents, and this diminished the linear pores to form a porous structure. Gelatin and chitosan were blended and frozen, after which crosslinking agents were added, and the whole was frozen again and then freeze‐dried to form chitosan/gelatin porous bone scaffolds. Stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, compressive strength testing, porosity testing, in vitro biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity were used to evaluate the properties of the bone scaffolds. The test results show that both crosslinking agents, glutaraldehyde (GA) and 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide, were able to form a porous structure. In addition, the compressive strength increased as a result of the increased crosslinking time. However, the porosity and cell viability were not correlated with the crosslinking times. The optimal porous and interconnected pore structure occurred when the bone scaffolds were crosslinked with GA for 20 min. It was proven that crosslinking the frozen polymers successfully resulted in a division of the linear pores, and this resulted in interconnected multiple pores and a compressively strong structure. The 48‐h cytotoxicity did not affect the cell viability. This study successfully produced chitosan/gelatin porous materials for biomaterials application. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41851.     

Fabrication of three-dimensional interconnected porous blocks composed of robust carbonate apatite frameworks

In scaffolds used for bone regeneration, osteogenic ability increases and mechanical strength decreases with increasing porosity. To ensure both mechanical strength and osteogenesis, an optimal pore architecture is necessary. Porous glass has high porosity and high mechanical strength, as it is framed with a rigid interconnected silica network and void interspaces in the silica network. In this context, based on the porous structure of glass, we fabricated porous blocks composed of carbonate apatite (CO₃Ap), which is the major component of human bone mineral, with both high mechanical strength and high porosity. To fabricate the CO₃Ap blocks, first, calcite-polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) mixture granules were prepared. Next, the calcite-PMMA granules were allowed to join together in the mold by fusing PMMA, resulting in the formation of porous blocks composed of interconnected calcite-PMMA granules. Next, PMMA was thermally removed and the resultant interconnected calcite granules were partially sintered. Finally, the composition of the interconnected granules was converted from calcite to CO₃Ap in a dissolution-precipitation reaction. Consequently, CO₃Ap blocks with a continuous pore architecture were successfully fabricated. The porosity and diametral tensile strength were controllable within the range of 60‒70% and 1.0‒1.5 MPa, respectively, by filling the space between the calcite-PMMA granules. As these values are suitable for clinical use, the porous CO₃Ap blocks have potential applications as scaffolds for bone regeneration.     

Preparation and characterization of Chitosan and PLGA‐based scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

Three dimensional (3D) biodegradable porous scaffolds play a crucial role in bone tissue repair. In this study, four types of 3D polymer/hydroxyapatite (HAp) composite scaffolds were prepared by freeze drying technique in order to mimic the organic/inorganic nature of the bone. Chitosan (CH) and poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) were used as the polymeric part and HAp as the inorganic component. Properties of the resultant scaffolds, such as morphology, porosity, degradation, water uptake, mechanical and thermal stabilities were examined. 3D scaffolds having interconnected macroporous structure and 77–89% porosity were produced. The pore diameters were in the range of 6 and 200 µm. PLGA and HAp containing scaffolds had the highest compressive modulus. PLGA maintained the strength by decreasing water uptake but increased the degradation rate. Scaffolds seeded with SaOs‐2 osteoblast cells showed that all scaffolds were capable of encouraging cell adhesion and proliferation. The presence of HAp particles caused an increase in cell number on CH‐HAp scaffolds compared to CH scaffolds, while cell number decreased when PLGA was incorporated in the structure. CH‐PLGA scaffolds showed highest cell number on days 7 and 14 compared to others. Based on the properties such as interconnected porosity, high mechanical strength, and in vitro cell proliferation, blend scaffolds have the potential to be applied in hard tissue treatments. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1917–1930, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation of chitosan‐nanohydroxyapatite composite scaffolds by a supercritical CO2 assisted process

In this study, chitosan‐nanohydroxyapatite composite scaffolds were prepared by a supercritical fluid assisted process. For this purpose, different amounts of nanohydroxyapatite particles, that is, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 wt% were added to chitosan (deacetylation degree: DD 75–85%) solution (2%, w/v, in acetic acid). The gels were then frozen at −20°C, treated in acetone and dried in a supercritical fluid extractor under a constant CO₂ flow of 15 g/min at 35°C and 200 bar for 5 h to obtain porous scaffolds. Scanning electron microscope views showed that the drying of gels under supercritical CO₂ lead to the formation of microporous scaffolds with a pore size distribution of 30–150 μm. Addition of nanohydroxyapatite particles did not significantly affect the pore size distribution. Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X‐Ray diffraction analyses supported the successful incorporation of nanohydroxyapatite particles in the scaffold. An increase in water uptake and mechanical strength were observed in composite scaffolds. The results obtained from this study indicated that chitosan‐nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds prepared by using supercritical CO₂ shall be considered as a potential candidate for bone tissue engineering applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Studies on the interactions of CO2 with biodegradable poly(dl-lactic acid) and poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) copolymers using high pressure ATR-IR and high pressure rheology

Amorphous poly(dl-lactic acid) (P_dlLA) and poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymers have been used to fabricate porous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications via a supercritical foaming technique. The chemical composition of the polymers and the morphology (pore size, porosity and interconnectivity) of the scaffolds are crucial because they influence cell filtration, migration, nutrient exchange, degradation and drug release rate. To control the morphology of supercritical foamed scaffolds, it is essential to study the interactions of polymers with CO₂ and the consequent solubility of CO₂ in the polymers, as well as the viscosity of the plasticized polymers. In this paper, we are showing for the first time that well known and useful biodegradable polymers can be plasticized easily using high pressure CO₂ and that we can monitor this process easily via a high pressure attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-IR) and rheology. High pressure ATR-IR has been developed to investigate the interactions of CO₂ with P_dlLA and PLGA polymers with the glycolic acid (GA) content in the copolymers as 15, 25, 35 and 50% respectively. Shifts and intensity changes of IR absorption bands of the polymers in the carbonyl region (∼1750 cm⁻¹) are indicative of the interaction on a qualitative level. A high pressure parallel plate rheometer has also been developed for the shear viscosity measurements of the CO₂-plastisized polymers at a temperature below their glass transition temperatures. The results demonstrate that the viscosities of the CO₂-plasticized polymers at 35 °C and 100 bar were comparable to the values for the polymer melts at 140 °C, demonstrating a significant process advantage through use of scCO₂. The data from the high pressure rheology and high pressure ATR-IR, combined with the sorption and swelling studies reported previously, demonstrate that the interaction and the solubility of CO₂ in PLGA copolymers is related to the glycolic acid content. As the glycolic acid ratio increases the interaction and consequent solubility of CO₂ decreases. The potential applications of this study are very broad, from tissue engineering and drug delivery to much broader applications with other polymers in areas that may range from composites and polymer synthesis through to injection moulding.     

In vitro hydrolysis and magnesium release of poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide)‐based composites containing bioresorbable glasses and magnesium hydroxide

Magnesium is important for both bone growth and cartilage formation. However, the postoperative intake of antibiotics such as quinolones may cause a reduction in magnesium levels in tissue. The addition of magnesium to scaffolds may therefore be beneficial for the regeneration of osteochondral defects. In this study, porous composite scaffolds were produced by gas foaming of poly(d ,l ‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) rods with magnesium‐containing bioresorbable glasses and magnesium hydroxide as fillers. The in vitro hydrolytical degradation of the composite scaffolds in Tris buffer was followed over a 10‐week period. Mg²⁺ was released in a controlled manner from the scaffolds with varying release profiles between the different materials. Higher glass content resulted in a reduced mass loss compared to scaffolds with lower glass content. As a result of the foaming method, the scaffolds shrank initially, without evidence that the addition of hydrophilic fillers would decrease the initial shrinkage. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42646.     

Potential application of gelatin scaffolds prepared through in situ gas foaming in skin tissue engineering

Gelatin’s excellent foaming ability allows the application of in situ gas foaming as a preparation technique for porous scaffold development. Here, a new iterative experimental design for in situ gas foaming method is reported. The prepared scaffolds were studied for applying the findings to the future skin tissue engineering scaffolds. The thermal stability, mechanical properties, and pore structure of the scaffolds are reported and their degradation resistance by using collagenase enzyme and their cytotoxicity by using fibroblasts were studied. The results of this study demonstrated that gas foaming method can be modified to produce an interconnected porous structure with enhanced mechanical properties.     

Improvement of mechanical properties of macroporous β-tricalcium phosphate bioceramic scaffolds with uniform and interconnected pore structures

The biocompatible and degradable macroporous bioceramic scaffolds with high mechanical properties and interconnected porous structures play an important role in hard tissue regeneration and bone tissue engineering applications. In this study, the improvement of mechanical properties of macroporous β-tricalcium phosphate [β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂, β-TCP] bioceramic scaffolds with uniform macropore size and interconnected pores were fabricated by impregnation of the synthesized β-TCP nano-powder slurry into polymeric frames. The microstructures, mechanical properties and in vitro degradation of the fabricated samples were investigated. For a comparison, β-TCP scaffolds were also fabricated from commercial micro-size powders under the same conditions. The resultant scaffolds showed porosities ∼65% with uniform macropore size ranging from 400 to 550 μm and interconnected pore size ∼100 μm. The compressive strength of the samples fabricated from nano-size powders reached 10.87 MPa, which was almost twice as high as those fabricated from commercial micro-size powders, and was comparable to the high-end value (2–10 MPa) of human cancellous bone. Furthermore, the degradation of the β-TCP bioceramics fabricated from nano-size powders was apparently lower than those fabricated from commercial micro-size powders, suggesting the possible control of the degradation of the scaffolds by regulating initial powder size. Regarding the excellent mechanical properties and porous structures, the obtained macroporous β-TCP bioceramic scaffolds can be used in hard tissue regeneration and bone tissue engineering applications.     

Paclitaxel release from micro-porous PLGA disks

Micro-porous biodegradable polymeric foams have potential applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. A two-stage fabrication process combining spray drying and supercritical gas foaming is presented for the encapsulation of paclitaxel in micro-porous PLGA (poly lactic glycolic acid) foams. Encapsulation of paclitaxel in the PLGA polymer matrix was achieved and these foams have potential application as a new type of surgical implant for controlled release of paclitaxel. This technique may also be applied to other hydrophobic drugs which face problems of slow release when encapsulated in a compact polymeric device. The micro-porous structure helps to increase drug release rate due to a shorter diffusion path of the drug in the polymer. The final residual organic solvent content in the polymer was low and well within safety limits due to the high miscibility of supercritical CO₂ with the organic solvent. The pore size distribution, the phase behavior, and the in vitro swelling behavior of the foams were characterized. In vitro release results showed a nearly constant release rate for up to 8 weeks. The release profiles from micro-porous foam and from compressed disks were compared to assess the performance of micro-porous foams as sustained release implants. The foams implanted intracranially in mice showed therapeutic concentrations of paclitaxel at distant regions of the brain even after 28 days of implantation.     

Preparation of porous PLGA/HA/collagen scaffolds with supercritical CO2 and application in osteoblast cell culture

Biocompatible three-dimensional scaffolds for cell culturing may facilitate methods for the repair of damaged human tissues. A novel hybrid porous scaffold of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), hydroxyapatite and collagen was prepared using a supercritical CO₂ saturation technique. Expansion factors of scaffolds with different compositions were studied after supercritical CO₂ treatment to choose the optimal composition for three-dimensional culture. The supercritical CO₂ process conditions, such as saturation temperature, saturation time and saturation pressure were varied to evaluate their influence on pore structure. The results showed that the pore size and porosity of the scaffold could be controlled by manipulating these process conditions. The porous samples were characterized by environmental scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Finally, MG-63 cells were successfully cultured on the porous scaffold as assessed by electron and confocal microscopy, confirming the biocompatibility of this new hybrid porous scaffold.     

Preparation and morphology characterization of microcellular styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile (SAN) foam processed in supercritical CO2

Microcellular polymeric foam structures have been generated using a pressure‐induced phase separation in concentrated mixtures of supercritical CO₂ and styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile (SAN). The process typically generates a microcellular core structure encased by a non‐porous skin. Pore growth occurs through two mechanisms: diffusion of CO₂ from polymer‐rich regions into the pores and also through CO₂ gas expansion. The effects of saturation pressure, temperature and swelling time on the cell size, cell density and bulk density of the porous materials have been studied. Higher CO₂ pressures (hence, higher fluid density) provided more CO₂ molecules for foaming, generated lower interfacial tension and viscosity in the polymer matrix, and thus produced lower cell size but higher cell densities. This trend was similar to what was observed in swelling time series. While the average cell size increased with increasing temperature, the cell density decreased. The trend of bulk density was similar to that of cell size. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Design and preparation of μ‐bimodal porous scaffold for tissue engineering

The aim of this study was to prepare poly‐?‐caprolactone (PCL) foams, with a well‐defined micrometric and bimodal open‐pore dimension distribution, suitable as scaffolds for tissue engineering. The porous network pathway was designed without using toxic agents by combining gas foaming (GF) and selective polymer extraction techniques. PCL was melt‐mixed with thermoplastic gelatin (TG) in concentrations ranging from 40 to 60 wt %, to achieve a cocontinuous blend morphology. The blends were subsequently gas foamed by using N₂‐CO₂ mixtures, with N₂ amount ranging from 0 to 80 vol %. Foaming temperature was changed from 38 to 110°C and different pressure drop rates were used. After foaming, TG was removed by soaking in H₂O. The effect of blend compositions and GF process parameters on foam morphologies was investigated. Results showed that different combinations of TG weight ratios and GF parameters allowed the modulation of macroporosity fraction, microporosity dimension, and degree of interconnection. By optimizing the process parameters it was possible to tailor the morphologies of highly interconnected PCL scaffolds for tissue engineering. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

The effect of ethyl-lactate and ethyl-acetate plasticizers on PCL and PCL–HA composites foamed with supercritical CO2

The present study reports foaming of polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL nano- and micro-composites with dispersed hydroxyapatite (HA) particles by means of binary mixtures of supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂) and either ethyl lactate (EL) or ethyl acetate (EA) as plasticizer. The effect of the size and concentration of HA particles, as well as the effects of the plasticizer type and the incorporation route were investigated aiming to fabricate porous scaffolds with uniform morphology and controlled pore size distribution. For this purpose, foaming experiments were carried out by selecting two operating temperatures, 40 and 45 °C, and two soaking times, 1 and 17 h. Furthermore, a double step of depressurization was used to promote the development of a double-scale pore size structure in porous scaffolds useful for tissue engineering.The results of this study indicated that supercritical foaming of PCL and PCL–HA composites is enhanced when the selected operating temperature and time are 45 °C and 17 h, respectively. Furthermore, although both EL and EA plasticizers enhanced the low temperature foaming of the materials, we demonstrated that the route of incorporation of the plasticizer is a critical aspect for enhancing composite foaming and scaffold fabrication. From this point of view, the best results were achieved when EA was pre-mixed with the polymeric powder for preparing a dough for the foaming process.     

Preparation of porous poly(L‐lactic acid)‐co‐(trimethylene‐carbonate) structures using supercritical CO2 as antisolvent and as foaming agent

In this work, porous structures of poly(l ‐lactic acid)‐co‐(tri‐methylene‐carbonate) (PLLA‐co‐TMC) were successfully fabricated using two experimental methods, that is, using supercritical CO₂ as antisolvent and as foaming agent through the pressure induced phase separation technique. Considering the phase inversion method, the effect of the initial polymer concentration of the solution, pressure, and temperature on the morphology of the final porous structure (pore size, porosity, and cell density) was investigated. The L–L demixing process was suggested as the dominant mechanism for the phase separation and pore production. The temperature window, for which PLLA‐co‐TMC porous structures are successfully produced using the pressure induced phase separation technique, was determined at 150 and 210 bar. The effect of temperature on the final porous structure was investigated. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:1005–1015, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation of acrylamide‐based poly‐HIPEs with enhanced mechanical strength using PVDBM‐b‐PEG‐emulsified CO2‐in‐water emulsions

Poly(vinyl acetate‐alt‐dibutyl maleate)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PVDBM‐b‐PEG) copolymers were synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization and used as emulsifiers to form stable CO₂‐in‐water high internal phase emulsions (C/W HIPEs). Then, highly interconnected cellular polyacrylamide (PAM) and poly(acrylamide‐co‐N‐hydroxymethyl acrylamide) [P(AM‐co‐HMAM)] poly‐HIPEs with enhanced mechanical strength were prepared based on the stable C/W HIPEs. The porous structures of the PAM poly‐HIPEs, as well as morphology and compressive modulus, could be influenced by the surfactant concentration and the length of the CO₂‐philic tails of the surfactants. PAM poly‐HIPEs with the smallest average pore diameter (11.12 ± 0.62 μm) and the highest compressive modulus (22.65 ± 0.10 MPa) could be obtained by using the short CO₂‐philic chains of the PVDBM‐b‐PEG surfactant at a high concentration (1.0 wt %). Moreover, with the copolymerization of N‐hydroxymethyl acrylamide (HMAM) comonomers with acrylamide, the compressive modulus of the obtained P(AM‐co‐HMAM) poly‐HIPEs was three times higher than that of PAM poly‐HIPEs. Both PAM and P(AM‐co‐HMAM) poly‐HIPEs were employed as scaffolds to guide H9c2 cardiac muscle cellular growth. Fluorescence images showed that a smaller average pore size and a narrower pore‐size distribution were helpful for cell growth and proliferation on these materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46346.