Biodegradable poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) scaffolds with well-controlled interconnected irregular pores were fabricated by a porogen leaching technique using gelatin particles as the porogen. The gelatin particles (280-450 bum) were bonded together through a treatment in a saturated water vapor condition at 70 degrees C to form a 3-dimensional assembly in a mold. PLLA was dissolved in dioxane and was cast onto the gelatin assembly. The mixtures were then freeze-dried or dried at room temperature, followed by removal of the gelatin particles to yield the porous scaffolds. The microstructure of the scaffolds was characterized by scanning electron microscopy with respect to the pore shape, interpore connectivity, and pore wall morphology. Compression measurements revealed that scaffolds fabricated by freeze-drying exhibited better mechanical performance than those by room temperature dying. Along with the increase of the polymer concentration, the porosity of the scaffolds decreased whereas the compressive modulus increased. When the scaffolds were in a hydrated state, the compressive modulus decreased dramatically. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.