Influence of pore size on tensile strength, permeability and porosity of hyaluronan-collagen scaffolds

Recent investigations have shown the importance of scaffold pore size on the realisation of tissue engineered cartilage which promotes cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of pore size on the mechanical properties, the permeability and the porosity of hyaluronan-collagen scaffolds. Hyaluronan-collagen scaffolds with three different mean pore sizes (302.5, 402.5 and 525 microm) have been produced according to a standardised protocol. The maximum stress at rupture, the Young's Moduli, permeability and porosity of the scaffolds were investigated. The permeability was determined both empirically and mathematically. Increased pore sizes indicated a larger stress at rupture as well as increased Young's Moduli. Porosity and permeability were raised by increasing pore sizes. The mathematically calculated permeability showed the same trend. The results indicate a higher mechanical stability for scaffolds with larger pores. The experimental and mathematical experiments both show increased permeability and fluid mobility for larger pores in scaffolds. Morphological changes resulting from the alteration of pore size led to non-correlation between the calculated and the experimental permeability.