Characterization of PLLA scaffolds for biomedical applications

The porosity and pore size distribution of three-dimensional scaffolds have direct implications on their biomedical applications (tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound dressing). Accordingly, in this paper, a fast, facile, and conservative method relying on low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) for the evaluation of mean pore size and pore size distribution of polymeric scaffolds is reported. The applicability of the technique is demonstrated on poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds fabricated using the thermal induced phase separation. Results obtained through LF-NMR are successfully compared to scanning electron microscope and X-ray microcomputed tomography micrographs.