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Mechanical deviation in 3D-Printed PLA bone scaffolds during biodegradation
Safa Senaysoy1, Recep Ilhan2, Huseyin Lekesiz1
1Bursa Technical University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bursa, Türkiye.
Computers in Biology and Medicine
|October 6, 2024
Summary
This study explored poly(lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds for bone defects, finding that the body-centered cubic (BCC) geometry with 50-62% porosity offers optimal mechanical properties during biodegradation. Initial stiffness increases were observed, with water content influencing scaffold performance.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Large bone defects present significant challenges in regenerative medicine, necessitating advanced scaffold designs.
- Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) offers geometric flexibility for 3D scaffold fabrication, crucial for mimicking bone's mechanobiological environment.
- Controlling porosity and biodegradation rate is vital for effective bone remodeling within scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanical variations of lattice-type PLA scaffolds throughout biodegradation.
- To evaluate the influence of unit-cell geometry and porosity on scaffold properties.
- To determine optimal scaffold design parameters for bone tissue engineering applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D printed PLA scaffolds with three unit-cell geometries (BC, BCS, BCC) and three porosity levels (50%, 62.5%, 75%).
- Experimental biodegradation testing in PBS at 37°C for up to 120 days, under unloaded and loaded conditions.
- Characterization of water absorption, weight loss, and compression stiffness, complemented by finite element analysis (FEA) for biodegradation simulation.
Main Results:
- Mechanical load did not significantly affect the initial biodegradation stage.
- The BCC scaffold with 62.5% porosity exhibited high water absorption, promoting a cell-friendly aquatic environment.
- Water content was identified as a key factor in maintaining or increasing compression stiffness during initial degradation.
- An initial stiffness increase was observed in 75% porous BC and 50% porous BCC scaffolds.
- Simulations predicted a 44-48% loss of rigidity in most scaffolds after 120 days.
Conclusions:
- The BCC geometry with 50-62% porosity is identified as the optimal design for PLA bone scaffolds, balancing mechanical integrity and biodegradation.
- Initial increases in stiffness during biodegradation can be advantageous for scaffold performance.
- Understanding water absorption and its effect on mechanical properties is crucial for designing effective bone tissue scaffolds.
