Computer Aided Tissue Engineering For The Generation Of Unit Library Structure Of Scaffold For Human Bone (In-Vitro)

Abstract

Tissue engineering scaffold is a biological substitute that aims to restore, maintain or to improve tissue functions. The scaffold for orthopedic surgeries needs to be designed very accurately for absolute benefit to the patient. In this study various unit library structure designs for scaffold are presented for improvement in scaffold characteristics and advancements in its applications. These structures are designed to achieve the specific mechanical structure and properties which are superior to the available conventional techniques of scaffold fabrication. As the requirements for a better scaffold are met adequately through better and appropriate designing techniques, the prospects of fabricating a more successful engineering scaffold also improves. In this study, Finite Element Analysis was performed to investigate the characteristic features of the unit library structure designs to evaluate and examine their mechanical properties including porosity, effective modulus, compatibility with other designs and stress distribution. DICOM images for human foot were processed and reconstructed using image processing tools and 3D reconstruction software. The validated design of unit library structure was made in the bulk form and given a shape of reconstructed bone. Fused Deposition Modelling was used to manufacture the validated design.