FIG. 3.

Scaffolds exhibited elastomeric, anisotropic mechanical properties that closely matched FE model predictions. Orthogonal material directions were tested with independent samples: parallel (PD) or perpendicular (XD) to the long axis of the pore structure. Effective stiffnesses (E_PD and E_XD; kPa) were calculated from uniaxial tensile tests and modeled using the FE model (left panel). Strains to failure (ɛf_PD and ɛf_XD) were measured from uniaxial tensile tests to failure (right panel). Empirical data represent the mean±standard error of at least three independent measurements. * indicates significant difference between corresponding measurements (i.e., E_PD vs. E_XD; p<0.05, and ɛf_PD vs. ɛf_XD; p=0.011), as determined by ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc testing.