Analysis of 3‐D microstructure of porous poly(lactide‐glycolide) matrices using confocal microscopy

摘要: Porous matrices of biodegradable polymers are extensively used as scaffolds in tissue engineering and drug delivery devices. A critical component the design, processing, utility such polymeric systems concerns local void microarchitecture. In this study, a novel approach based on confocal fluorescence imaging was employed to visualize quantify 3 dimensions (3-D) individual population-level morphology within porous matrices. Poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) copolymer were cast yield configurations variable sizes but constant cumulative voidage. Using microscopy, fluorescently saturated polymer optically sectioned into serial 2-D images, 3-D contours reconstructed via object discrimination connectivity analysis. The resultant data quantitate matrix microstructure map its evolution following degradation. Under conditions accelerated degradation, erosion found cause significant change disposition voids; involves two processes (void formation enlargement), extent which influenced by initial size duration erosion. By virtue providing both static dynamic descriptions poly(lactic matrices, is first spatiotemporal study microarchitecture porous, bioerodible analog