title: Design of tissue engineering scaffolds based on hyperbolic surfaces: structural numerical evaluation.
abstract: Tissue engineering represents a new field aiming at developing biological substitutes to restore, maintain, or improve tissue functions. In this approach, scaffolds provide a temporary mechanical and vascular support for tissue regeneration while tissue in-growth is being formed. These scaffolds must be biocompatible, biodegradable, with appropriate porosity, pore structure and distribution, and optimal vascularization with both surface and structural compatibility. The challenge is to establish a proper balance between porosity and mechanical performance of scaffolds. This work investigates the use of two different types of triple periodic minimal surfaces, Schwarz and Schoen, in order to design better biomimetic scaffolds with high surface-to-volume ratio, high porosity and good mechanical properties. The mechanical behaviour of these structures is assessed through the finite element method software Abaqus. The effect of two parametric parameters (thickness and surface radius) is also evaluated regarding its porosity and mechanical behaviour.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal. Electronic address: henrique.almeida@ipleiria.pt.
authors.forename: Henrique A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.affiliation: Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal Manchester Biomanufacturing Centre, School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Paulo J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Bártolo
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods; D016062:Porosity; D012984:Software; D013718:Tensile Strength; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*
keywords: Hyperbolic surfaces; Numerical simulation; Scaffolds; Structural analysis; Tissue engineering