Oriented Porous Polymer Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering: A Comprehensive Review of Preparation Strategies and Applications

The pursuit of effective therapeutic strategies for tissue damage has prompted extensive scholarly investigations worldwide. Tissue engineering has emerged as a prominent approach, particularly through the utilization of artificial scaffolds that closely resemble the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). These scaffolds exhibit multi-scale topological structures and surface physicochemical properties, which significantly influence cellular behavior, thereby attracting considerable attention from numerous researchers. This comprehensive review is concentrated on the primary techniques employed in the fabrication of biodegradable polymer scaffolds possessing oriented porous structures, and the most recent advancements in tissue engineering research are presented. Significantly, the profound influence of scaffold surface characteristics is underscored on cellular behavior, elucidating the superiority of oriented pore structures over disordered ones in mimicking the distinctive attributes of the ECM. Enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, and tissue differentiation represent notable advantages associated with oriented porous scaffolds. Additionally, the critical interplay between scaffold structure, performance, and functionalization is emphasized, highlighting the imperative to optimize the clinical application of tissue engineering scaffolds. Optimal orientation structure design and regulation on polymer scaffolds are vital for cell differentiation, growth, and tissue repair. This thorough review addresses scaffold preparation methods, performance enhancement strategies, and practical applications. Future studies shall prioritize refining scaffold architecture control, merging surface patterning with biological cues, investigating new scaffold materials, and leveraging advanced imaging and AI tech for synergistic advancements.image