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Optimization Studies of Robocasted Bioceramic Bone Scaffolds Using Analytical Hierarchy Process and TOPSIS
Umanath Puthillam1, Jishita Ravoor1, Renold Elsen Selvam1
1School of Mechanical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
Artificial Organs
|October 8, 2025
Summary
Researchers optimized bioceramic composite bone scaffolds using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and robocasting 3D printing. The study identified ideal processing parameters for enhanced bone defect treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Additive Manufacturing
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Bone scaffolds are crucial for treating critical bone defects, requiring a balance of physical and mechanical properties often unachievable with single materials.
- Composite materials offer a solution by combining different components to achieve desired scaffold characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize bioceramic composite bone scaffolds using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) for treating cancellous bone defects.
- To identify ideal processing parameters for robocasting 3D printed scaffolds using hydroxyapatite (HAP), calcium silicate (CS), or calcium phosphate (CP) combined with MWCNT.
Main Methods:
- Robocasting 3D printing was employed to fabricate scaffolds from bioceramics (HAP, CS, CP) and varying percentages of MWCNT.
- The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) were used to evaluate scaffolds based on compressive strength, density, shrinkage, and porosity.
- Scaffolds were printed and sintered at specific temperatures to determine optimal fabrication conditions.
Main Results:
- Calcium silicate (CS) with 1% MWCNT sintered at 1200°C was identified as a top-performing scaffold.
- Hydroxyapatite (HAP) with 0.5% MWCNT sintered at 1100°C showed promising results.
- Calcium phosphate (CP) with 0.5% MWCNT sintered at 1200°C also emerged as a viable option.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully identified optimal processing parameters for bioceramic bone scaffolds fabricated via robocasting.
- These findings provide valuable insights for the development of advanced bone graft substitutes with tailored properties.
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