09 Sep,2024

Investigation on Varied Porosity Levels in Scaffolds to Improve Biocompatibility

This project focuses on the design and optimization of bone scaffolds for enhanced biocompatibility and tissue regeneration. By varying porosity levels and unit cell designs, the research aims to create scaffolds that promote cell growth and function.

The increasing demand for bone tissue transplants has driven rapid technological progress in bone regeneration. Among the most utilized implants worldwide, bone scaffolds and skin grafts take precedence.

However, prior to their implantation in the human body, a thorough series of validations becomes essential to ensure patient safety. These validations cover a range of crucial factors, from the biocompatibility of the scaffolds to the intricate design features aimed at enhancing recovery.

Key biological traits such as porosity, water absorption rate, and interconnectivity, along with mechanical simulations to gauge scaffold properties, are integral components of this validation process.

Additionally, the preparation and assessment of cell-seeded scaffolds, examination of cell attachment, and the validation of collected data using appropriate visualization methods remain crucial in this endeavor.

Scholars and researchers have extensively explored numerous approaches to scrutinize each of these essential areas. Our study seeks to comprehensively experiment with scaffolds constructed using four distinct types of unit cells across these vital factors.

This research covers a wide range of critical aspects, including assessing the biocompatibility of these scaffolds, examining the various factors influencing bone tissue regeneration, investigating diverse designs with varying porosity and fabrication techniques, evaluating materials and strategies for meticulous material selection, conducting thorough mechanical assessments, validating findings through numerical simulations, and concluding with the application of visualization techniques to assess cell growth within the scaffold matrix.

The finite element analysis (FEA) findings for every scaffold design for every porosity level, or 0.3 to 0.5 mm strut diameter. The results were outstanding, with the square pyramid scaffold exhibiting the least compressive stress due to its 0.5 mm strut diameter.

Furthermore, comparable outcomes in the experimental research demonstrated the design's maximum peak load carrying capacity. This demonstrated how the unit cell's surface area optimization affects the scaffold's overall capacity to support loads and distribute stress.