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Abstract

A polymer scaffold is provided comprising an extensively interconnected macroporous network. The polymer scaffold embodies macropores having a diameter in a range of 0.5-3.5 mm, and preferably in a range of about 1.0-2.0 mm. The polymer scaffold is prepared using a novel process which advantageously combines the techniques of particulate leaching and phase inversion to render a process that provides amplified means by which to control the morphology of the resulting polymer scaffold. The polymer scaffold has utility in the area of tissue engineering, particularly as a scaffold for both in vitro and in vivo cell growth. The polymer scaffold may be produced using pure polymer or alternatively a composite material may be formed consisting of a macroporous polymer scaffold and osteoclast-resorbable calcium phosphate particles with a binding agent binding the calcium phosphate particles to the polymer scaffold.

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First Claim