Biocompatibility evaluation of PLLA scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a hemicrystalline material, has been extensively studied in applications of engineered tissues, because it is biodegradable, absorbable and it supports cell attachment and growth. The purpose of this study is to evaluate tissue/ material interactions, neovascularization and the biocompatibility of PLLA by optical and scanning electron microscopy in a model of animal implant. PLLA porous disks were implanted into the dorsal subcutis of BALB/C mice for 1, 2, 3, and 8 weeks. The bioptic samples of excised PLLA and the surrounding tissue were evaluated for inflammatory response and tissue ingrowth. The samples were divided in two halves: one was fixed in neutral buffe…