Immune Response Testing of Electrospun Polymers: An Important Consideration in the Evaluation of Biomaterials

Due primarily to cell sourcing issues, many in the field of tissue engineering have opted to create scaffolds that promote in situ regeneration, using the body as both the bioreactor and the cell source for the remodeling of scaffolds, resulting in the formation of native tissue. This practice raises many concerns, with the body's immune response to such an implant often being neglected as a potential problem in preliminary design and biocompatibility testing. More importantly, what happens over time in terms of the immune responses as the biodegradable scaffold structures being utilized to promote in situ regeneration begin to degrade, forming structural fragments and degradation products? In summary, immune response evaluations are critical considerations that must be conducted when evaluating bioresorbable scaffolds. In addition, it is essential that these evaluations analyze materials for their potential dose-response and time-course effects on the various components of innate and acquired immunity.