Importance

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Abstract

The devices disclosed herein are composite implantable devices having a gradient of one or more of the following: materials, macroarchitecture, microarchitecture, or mechanical properties, which can be used to select or promote attachment of specific cell types on and in the devices prior to and/or after implantation. In preferred embodiments, the implants include complex three-dimensional structure, including curved regions and saddle-shaped areas. In various embodiments, the gradient forms a transition zone in the device from a region composed of materials or having properties best suited for one type of tissue to a region composed of materials or having properties suited for a different type of tissue. Methods to improve these devices for use in repair or replacement of cartilage and/or bone have been developed, which specifically address 1) the selection of the appropriate polymeric material for the cartilage region, 2) mechanical testing of the bone region including the effect of porosity and polymer/calcium phosphate ratio, and 3) prevention of delamination in the transition region.

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First Claim