Which of the following is NOT a requirement for tissue engineering scaffolds?

The requirement for tissue engineering scaffolds is fundamentally rooted in their ability to support cell attachment, growth, and tissue development. An interconnected pore network is essential because it allows for nutrient and waste exchange, facilitating cellular migration and proliferation. Suitable surface chemistry enhances cell adhesion and influences the behavior of the cells interacting with the scaffold, which is crucial for tissue integration. Additionally, reproducibility is vital in tissue engineering, as consistent scaffold properties ensure predictable biological performance and therapeutic outcomes.

In contrast, the characteristic of being brittle is not desirable for scaffolds. A brittle scaffold would likely fracture under physiological loads, compromising its structural integrity and functionality. Therefore, scaffolds should ideally possess mechanical properties that allow them to withstand the stresses of biological environments while maintaining the ability to support tissue formation. This makes the selection of brittleness as a characteristic incompatible with the functional requirements of effective tissue engineering scaffolds.