Soft tissue reconstruction faces persistent challenges: autologous fat transfer produces variable resorption requiring repeat interventions, while permanent synthetic implants carry long-term foreign material risks. Current approaches lack consistency and outcome predictability.
We developed a polycaprolactone (PCL) mesh scaffold with a collagen coating to support guided tissue growth and remodeling while avoiding permanent implant material. PCL was selected for its tunable mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. The collagen coating promotes cell adhesion, while the scaffold architecture facilitates cell infiltration, nutrient transport, and extracellular matrix deposition during early tissue formation.
Scaffold performance was evaluated by culturing tissue constructs in a bioreactor system providing controlled physiological conditions, including nutrient perfusion and mechanical support. This platform enabled systematic assessment of tissue maturation, structural stability, and reproducibility, offering greater predictability than traditional fat grafting methods. Bioreactor conditioning was designed to enhance tissue viability and construct consistency.
This approach offers a durable, customizable alternative for soft tissue regeneration that reduces long-term implant-associated risks while improving outcome predictability. PCL mesh scaffolds, prioritizing natural tissue integration and patient-centered outcomes, represent a clinically relevant platform for next-generation regenerative therapies.