Numerical and experimental evaluation of TPMS Gyroid scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

The combination of computational methods with 3D printing allows for the control of scaffolds microstructure. Lately, triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) have been used to design porosity-controlled scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (TE). The goal of this work was to assess the mechanical properties of TPMS Gyroid structures with two porosity levels (50 and 70%). The scaffold stiffness function of porosity was determined by the asymptotic homogenisation method and confirmed by mechanical testing. Additionally, microCT analysis confirmed the quality of the printed parts. Thus, the potential of both design and manufacturing processes for bone TE applications is here demonstrated.

Keywords:

• Bone scaffolds
• TPMS
• tissue engineering
• numerical homogenisation
• biomechanics

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), through IDMEC, under LAETA, project UID/EMS/50022/2019 and project PTDC/BBB-BMC/5655/2014.