Fig. 4.

Strategies to create pores of specific diameters. The diameter of pores is designed for a specific application: to enhance nutrient diffusion, to improve cell colonization or to create a vascular network. A- Self-assembly peptides to create a nanoporous mesh with homogeneous pores (scale bar 1 m) [163].Cardiomyocytes do not penetrate, they must be encapsulated prior to gelation. B- Freeze-casting applied to a polymeric solution to create anisotropic pores with a controlled diameter [153]. Pores are large enough for cardiomyocytes culture (scale bar is 1 µm). C- Porogen agent removal, macroporous network shaped by the porogen agent [164]. D- Needles molding (same principle with nylon fibers) and removal after gelation. Large pores suitable for 3D organotypic growth of cardiomyocytes (non published results).