Thesis-2016-Fotticchia.pdf (14.88 MB)
Download fileDesign and development of anisotropic laminate scaffolds of electrospun polycaprolactone for annulus fibrosus tissue engineering applications
thesis
posted on 31.05.2016, 09:23 authored by Andrea FotticchiaIn several cases, current therapies available to treat a large number of musculoskeletal system diseases are unsatisfactory as they provide only temporary or partial restoration of the damaged or degenerated site. In an attempt to maintain a high standard of life quality and minimise the economic losses due to the treatments of these frequently occurring ailments and subsequent lost working days, alternative therapies are being explored. Contrary to the current treatments, tissue engineering aims to regenerate the impaired tissue rather than repair and alleviate the symptoms; thus offering a definitive solution.
The annulus fibrosus (AF) of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is a musculoskeletal system component frequently subjected to degeneration and rupture, characterised by predominance of anisotropically arranged collagen fibres.
In the present thesis, electrospinning technology is used to fabricate polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds intended to replicate the anisotropic structure of the AF. [Continues.]
Funding
Royal Society International Joint Project JP101627, FP7-PEOPLE-2012- IRSES (SkelGen) 318553 and EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Regenerative Medicine
History
School
- Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering