Optimization of pore geometry and size of scaffold type structures for cell culture.

Abstract

Biomedical scaffolds are essential for tissue engineering as they provide a structural framework for tissue regeneration. This study investigates the optimization of polylactic acid scaffolds' pore geometry, fabricated using fused deposition modeling, to enhance tissue regeneration. Computational fluid dynamics analysis determined the impact of side length and wall thickness on permeability and pressure drop, while mechanical testing assessed induced stress. Results indicate that a cubic pore geometry with a 1.0 mm side length and a 0.3 mm wall thickness yields a porosity of 53.96%. Specifically, permeability increases with decreasing wall thickness. The induced stress varies inversely with the wall thickness for all cubic geometries. The pore geometry significantly impacts nutrient and waste transport, as well as cell attachment. Optimizing pore geometry can improve nutrient supply and waste removal, directly affecting cell survival and tissue growth. This optimized design aims to maximize nutrient delivery, minimize pressure drop, and maintain structural integrity, thereby promoting cell proliferation and improving the effectiveness of biomedical scaffolds for tissue regeneration.