| abstract |
A system and apparatus for constructing complex three-dimensional scaffolds that takes advantage of the physical and chemical properties of gelatin-sugar hydrogels. Novel apparatus for building complex three-dimensional scaffolds for biomimetic applications such as in vitro organ growth, using a gelatin/sugar/water gel, ultraviolet radiation, and heat or enzyme are described. The apparatus produce gelatin-sugar hydrogels demonstrating greater thermal stability, mechanical strength, and resistance to enzymatic degradation. The invention also provides a means to assemble the gelatin sugar hydrogel films into complex three-dimensional structures (scaffolds). To account for the native biochemical factors present in natural scaffolds, methods of conjugating such factors to the gelatin-sugar hydrogel are described. These scaffolds can then be applied for tissue culturing and organ growth. |