Which property is essential for materials used in scaffold fabrication?

The essential property for materials used in scaffold fabrication is mechanical strength. Scaffolds serve as a temporary support structure for tissue regeneration, and they must withstand various mechanical forces during the healing process. The mechanical strength of the scaffold ensures that it can support the cells and tissues growing within it, maintain its structure under load, and prevent collapse or deformation during the healing phase.

Additionally, the mechanical properties of the scaffold must closely mimic the native tissue's characteristics to provide an appropriate environment for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. If a scaffold does not possess sufficient mechanical strength, it may not be able to fulfill its role effectively, leading to compromised tissue regeneration and eventual failure of the engineered construct. Thus, mechanical strength is a critical criterion for scaffolds in tissue engineering.