Influence of scaffold micro architecture on bone regeneration: a multi-physics parametric study

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Scaffold geometry is crucial for bone defect regeneration.
• Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures offer connected porosity and tunable mechanical properties for bone repair applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To computationally analyze TPMS scaffold geometry for optimal bone regeneration.
• To identify key architectural features influencing osteogenesis and mechanical performance.

Main Methods:

• Parametric computational analysis of four TPMS architectures with varying porosity and connectivity.
• Assessment of regenerative potential using a validated mechano-biological model.
• Quantification of mechanical stiffness, permeability, and morphometric properties.

Main Results:

• Scaffold porosity and pore connectivity significantly impact cellular ingrowth.
• Network-type TPMS geometries showed 20-30% faster regeneration than Sheet-type.
• Primitive architecture yielded fastest regeneration; Diamond offered a balance of regeneration and mechanics; IWP structures provided high stiffness.

Conclusions:

• Geometric features of TPMS scaffolds critically influence bone regeneration efficiency.
• Optimized porosity and full interconnectivity are key for enhanced osteogenic performance.
• This study provides quantitative guidance for designing advanced TPMS ceramic scaffolds for bone regeneration.