BackgroundImplantation of a biomaterial may induce the foreign-body reaction to the host tissue that determines the outcome of the integration and the biological performance of the implant. The level of foreign-body reaction can be modulated by material properties.MethodsFirst, we synthesized methacrylated Bletilla striata Polysaccharide (BSP-MA) and constructed a series of open porous cryogels utilizing this material via the freezing-thawing treatment of solvent-precursors systems. Second, Pore size and rheology were measured to characterize the material properties of cryogels. Live/dead staining of cells and CCK-8 was performed to test the cytocompatibility of the scaffolds. In addition, the Real-Time qPCR experiments were carried for in vitro tests. Finally, the BSP scaffolds were implanted subcutaneously to verify the foreign-body reaction between host tissue and materials.ResultsOur data demonstrated that cryogels with different pore sizes and modulus can be fabricated by just adjusting the concentration. Besides, the cryogels show well cytocompatibility in the in vitro experiments and exhibited upregulated expression levels of pro-inflammation-related genes (Tnfa and Il1b) with the increase of pore size. In vivo experiments further proved that with the increase of pore size, more immune cells infiltrated into the inner zone of materials. The foreign-body reaction and the distribution of immune-regulatory cells could be modulated by tuning the material microstructure.ConclusionsCollectively, our findings revealed Bletilla striata polysaccharide cryogel scaffold with different pore sizes can spatially control foreign-body reaction. The microstructure of cryogels could differentially guide the distribution of inflammatory cells, affect the formation of blood vessels and fibrous capsules, which eventually influence the material-tissue integration. This work demonstrates a practical strategy to regulate foreign body response and promote the performance of medical devices.