Are there two routes of gas foaming scaffold manufacturing that involve foam forming agents or high-pressure CO2?

The correct answer is true because gas foaming is a well-established technique in tissue engineering for producing porous scaffolds. There are indeed two primary routes for manufacturing these scaffolds using gas foaming techniques: one that utilizes foam forming agents and another that employs high-pressure carbon dioxide (CO2).

In the first route, foam forming agents are incorporated into the polymer material. These agents create gas bubbles during the polymer solidification process, resulting in a porous structure. The use of these agents often allows for better control over the size and distribution of pores within the scaffold, which is crucial for applications related to tissue growth and integration.

The second route involves the use of high-pressure CO2, which acts as a physical blowing agent. In this method, CO2 is dissolved in the polymer at high pressure. Upon rapid depressurization, the CO2 forms gas bubbles, leading to foam formation. This technique has become increasingly popular due to its ability to create scaffolds with uniform porosity and interconnected pore structures, which are beneficial for enhancing cell infiltration and nutrient exchange.

Both of these methods highlight the versatility and effectiveness of gas foaming in scaffold production within tissue engineering applications, making the statement regarding the existence of these two routes accurate.