Porous Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Nerve Guide Filled with Porous Gelatin Matrix for Nerve Tissue Engineering

The preparation and characterization of PCL guides filled with a porous matrix of a freeze‐dried, genipin‐crosslinked gelatin sponge (GL/GP) is described. Porous guides are obtained by dip coating a rotating mandrel with a PCL/PEO blend solution followed by PEO solvent extraction. PCL/PEO 60/40 is selected as the optimal composition to obtain model porous membranes with suitable morphological properties to ensure nutrient permeation and moderate stiffness. GL/GP sponges show increased mechanical strength and water stability, compared to uncrosslinked GL sponges. GL/GP in the form of films, sponges and internal fillers support the in vitro adhesion and proliferation of Schwann like cells.