Impact of polymer degradation on cellular behavior in tissue engineering

Tissue engineering frequently employs biomimetic scaffolds to direct cell responses and facilitate the differentiation of cells into specific lineages. Biodegradable scaffolds mitigate immune responses, stress shielding concerns in load bearing tissues, and the need for secondary or revision surgical procedures for retrieval. However, during the degradation process, scaffold properties such as fiber diameter, fiber porosity, fiber alignment, surface properties and mechanical properties undergo changes that significantly alter the initial properties. This review aims to comprehensively assess the impact of degradation on scaffold properties from the perspective of their effects on cellular behavior by addressing four key aspects of polymer degradation: First, we review the variables that influence scaffold degradation. Second, we examine how degradation impacts scaffold properties. Third, we explore the effects of scaffold degradation products. Finally, we investigate measures to increase tunability of degradation rate. Harnessing and incorporating these degradation mechanisms into scaffold design holds great promise for advancing the development of tissue-engineered scaffolds, ultimately improving their efficacy and clinical utility.