2. Abstract Biomedical engineering and tissue regeneration are novel fields of research. Lives are lost everyday across the world because of the lack of donor organs. By producing these organs artificially, those people would be able to continue their lives. It was hypothesized that polycaprolactone would be a viable material to use in tissue engineering. This hypothesis was based on previous research that had been done. In this study, many specific analytical tests had to be done to find valid results. For example, a NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) test was done as well as thermal analysis. During the course of the study, several important results were gained. Thus far, polycaprolactone has been shown as a valid material to be used in tissue engineering. The results of the NMR test showed the presence of stable ions in the polymer as polylactic acid. Polylactic acid is a polymer that is currently being successfully used in tissue engineering. Also, thermal analysis tests showed that the polymer is a thermoplastic and has very similar characteristics to polylactic acid. Results obtained suggest that polycaprolactone is a strong contender for tissue scaffolding. NMR results show the magnetic pulse for polycaprolactone was radiated back out at the same frequency as polylactic acid. Polylactic acid is successfully being used, and because polycaprolactone has similar characteristics; it can possibly be used in scaffolding. Lives can be saved with this research, and polycaprolactone also is better for the environment because of its biodegradability characteristics.
3.
4. Lives are lost because organs die due to old age and disease – donor organs save those people
5. Donors are not always available, synthetic organs come into playExample of Tissue Scaffold
6.
7. Prior research has shown that PCL scaffolds “possess mechanical properties within the lower range of…bone, suggesting that they may have the ability to withstand early functional loading.”How to create grafts for human use
45. Acknowledgements Research was assisted by Assistant Professor at UCONN – Storrs Dr. Alexandru Asandei and Graduate Student Christopher Simpson. Research was conducted at the Institute of Material Sciences – Polymer Building, 97 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT.
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