A novel self-sintering microparticle-based system for regenerative medicine

The use of injectable scaffolds has raised great interest as they minimise the need for invasive surgery and its associated complications, costs and discomfort to the patient. Furthermore, they can fill cavities of any size or shape as well as being able to deliver a localised therapeutic agent. The aim of this study was to develop an injectable scaffold using PLGA microparticles which may be able to (i) carry cells and/or drugs to a site of injury (ii) be delivered via a narrow bore needle, and (iii) form a scaffold in situ with sufficient mechanical properties. The investigated system exploits a novel in situ solidification mechanism (liquid sintering) whereby the injectable microparticle-based precursors solidify into 3D constructs in response to thermal changes [2]. Thus, we demonstrate that PLGA microparticles incorporated with Triton X-100 are thermally responsive at body temperature (37°C) and may be exploited in regenerative medical applications.