| abstract |
(57) Abstract: A tissue manipulation device having a gradient of one or more of material, macroarchitecture, microarchitecture, and mechanical properties. This can be used to select or promote adhesion of specific cell types on the device before and after implantation. The gradient forms a transition zone from a region composed of or having the properties of a material best suited for one type of tissue to a region composed of or having the characteristics of a material suitable for a different type of tissue I do. The device is made in a continuous process that provides structural integrity and a unique material gradient. The device is made using a solid freeform fabrication process, particularly a three-dimensional printing process (3DP ™ ). The device can be manufactured in a single continuous process, so that the transition from one form of tissue regeneration scaffold to another form of tissue regeneration scaffold has no "seams". When the device is implanted in a physiological solution, it does not undergo differential expansion along the axis. |