Computer-aided design and finite-element modelling of biomaterial scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

Scaffold biomaterials for tissue engineering can be produced in many different ways depending on the applications and the materials used. Most research into new biomaterials is based on an experimental trial-and-error approach that limits the possibility of making many variations to a single material and studying its interaction with its surroundings. Instead, computer simulation applied to tissue engineering can offer a more exhaustive approach to test and screen out biomaterials. In this paper, a review of the current approach in biomaterials designed through computer-aided design (CAD) and through finite-element modelling is given. First we review the approach used in tissue engineering in the development of scaffolds and the interactions existing between biomaterials, cells and mechanical stimuli. Then, scaffold fabrication through CAD is presented and characterization of existing scaffolds through computed images is reviewed. Several case studies of finite-element studies in tissue engineering show the usefulness of computer simulations in determining the mechanical environment of cells when seeded into a scaffold and the proper design of the geometry and stiffness of the scaffold. This creates a need for more advanced studies that include aspects of mechanobiology in tissue engineering in order to be able to predict over time the growth and differentiation of tissues within scaffolds. Finally, current perspectives indicate that more efforts need to be put into the development of such advanced studies, with the removal of technical limitations such as computer power and the inclusion of more accurate biological and genetic processes into the developed algorithms.

Biomechanics in bone tissue engineering

“…As mentioned by Lacroix et al (2009), only a few computational models take into account biology when describing bone scaffolds. Finally, an important body of literature exists on computational aspect of bone healing taking into account mechanotransduction aspects (e.g.…”

“…This load transfer between the scaffold and the bone could be appreciated in the context of fracture healing or foetal development, where this phenomenon of load transfer between different structures is happening. Mechanotransduction knowledge of these two situations could then find some applications in scaffold development as suggested by Lacroix et al (2009).…”

Tissue differentiation in an in vivo bioreactor: in silico investigations of scaffold stiffness

“…In order to achieve improved cellular infiltration and better control of the mechanical conditions inside the constructs bioreactors have been designed [2,3]. Although they have improved the reliability of in vitro scaffold experiments, it is essential that scaffolds perform in an in vivo environment to promote cellular infiltration and desired tissue formation.…”

“…Biomaterials science has mainly used a trial-and-error approach to scaffold design [2]. In order to achieve improved cellular infiltration and better control of the mechanical conditions inside the constructs bioreactors have been designed [2,3].…”

The virtual physiological human: tools and applications I

“…Lacroix et al (2009) discuss the modelling of biomaterial scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Several case studies are described, which allow the authors to highlight areas where further research is required to overcome the current technical limitations in the field.…”