Customization of existing TPMS lattices to enhance biocompatibility and active cell proliferation area

Triply periodic minimal surfaces have garnered significant interest in the field of biomaterial scaffolds due to their unique structural properties, including a high surface-to-volume (S/V) ratio, tunable permeability, and the potential for enhanced biocompatibility. Bone scaffolds necessitate specific features to effectively support tissue regeneration. This study examines the permeability and active cell proliferation area of advanced Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) lattice structures, focusing on a novel lattice design. The novel design integrates characteristics of the Gyroid and Schwarz-D TPMS, aiming to enhance permeability and increase the active cell proliferation area by leveraging a higher S/V ratio. A comparative analysis is performed at 70 % porosity, evaluating lattice configurations with angular variations ranging from 0° to 90° Computational fluid dynamics simulations are employed to calculate the pressure drop across the lattice structures at a flow rate of 5 ml/min, with permeability determined using Darcy's law. The proposed lattice design at a 45° angle demonstrates superior performance by achieving an optimal balance between permeability (2.97631E-08) and active cell proliferation area (1351.89), enabled by its higher surface-to-volume ratio (value). The internal curvatures of the proposed lattice design promote a substantial active cell proliferation area. This geometric customization highlights the potential of advanced lattice designs in enhancing bio-implant functionality and supporting tissue regeneration.