Geometric Modeling and Finite Element Simulation for Architecture Design of 3D Printed Bio‑ceramic Scaffold Used in Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Tissue engineering is widely accepted as an effective way to
treat critical size bone defect. However, fabricating the scaffold functioning as an extracellular matrix and liable for cell proliferation with excellent material and design parameter to match closely with the natural bone property is still a challenge. The present paper focuses on finite element analysis (FEA) for getting the optimized architecture design by
keeping extrusion-based 3D printing in mind. Predicting and optimizing
the property of scaffold through FEA was performed on a 3D printing
process such as selective laser sintering (SLS) and stereolithography
(SLA), but for extrusion-based 3D printing, such literature is very few. In
the present paper, the various geometrical design parameters for extrusion-based 3D printed scaffold were studied. A total of 36 scaffolds were analyzed by FEA to predict the porosity and Young’s modulus of the
composite material. Based on the FEA result, the best scaffold with the
optimum mechanical property was suggested. This article significance
goes far beyond the specific objective to which it is dedicated. It shows
a guideway for scaffold architecture design process matching the natural
human tissue of interest.