Development of biopolymeric tissue scaffolds for nasal reconstruction with tissue engineering approaches

Nasal bone and cartilage pathologies are cases that are frequently encountered and negatively affect the quality of life. Functional and aesthetic restructuring of the nose; It depends on the selection of the appropriate material and the proper design of the necessary design. In reconstruction studies, which is the most accepted approach, autologous cartilage treatments are limited to surgical complications. Due to such limitations, the use of alloplastic applications (such as Gore-Tex ®, polytetra-fluoroethylene, [PTFE] based; Lactosorb ®, high density polyethylene [HDPE] based) is increasing. Although such systems minimize the limitations experienced in autologous treatments, there is a strong need for new generation treatment regimens for alloplastics, especially due to the complications that may occur in implantation. The importance of cell and tissue engineering-based treatment approaches is increasing as the development of biocompatible tissue scaffolds decorated with healthy nasal cells, biodegradable over time. Within the scope of the presented thesis; It is planned to use biodegradable and biocompatible materials (natural polymers; polysaccharide, protein-based) for nasal reconstruction systems to be used in the elimination of nasal problems caused by various reasons. Some of these materials are; are considered as either water-soluble (e.g. alginate, silk proteins, etc.) or organic solvent-soluble structures (e.g., polyhydroxyalkanoate[PHA]s, etc.). Lyophilization and electrospinning techniques were used to form tissue scaffolds. First, the nose molds prepared in advance using water-soluble polymeric structures were filled with suitable polymers, and the spongy type structure, which is one of the components of the 3D tissue scaffold, was developed and a was lyophilized. Matrices consisting of micro and nano fibers became layered structures by electrospinning technique and were analyzed morphologically by scanning electron microscope (SEM) system and macroscopic pictures. Due to the use of structures with hydrogel nature, their water uptake behavior was investigated. Key Words: Biopolymer, Nanofibers, Nasal Reconstruction, Tissue Engineering Approaches, Tissue Scaffolds.