Analysis and Demonstration of a Scaffold Finite Element Model for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

A three-dimensional finite element model of articular cartilage was established to explore the mechanical behavior of the repaired area under physiological compression loading. A circular vertical material and a circular inclined stacking material were fabricated, and a 3D printing method was employed for producing three-dimensional solids. The physical and biomechanical properties and biocompatibility were tested. The presence of cells in the circular vertically stacked scaffold significantly promoted the matrix deposition and the cell viability compared with that in the circular inclined scaffolds. The scaffolds made of the circular vertical material and the circular inclined stacking material scaffolds exhibited better overall performance.