Tuning the trabecular orientation of Voronoi-based scaffold to optimize the micro-environment for bone healing

Abstract

Voronoi tessellation is a powerful technique for designing random structures for bone tissue engineering applications. In this study, an innovative algorithm for scaffold design that controls trabecular orientation while maintaining an overall random architecture is presented. Morphological analyses and numerical models were employed to comprehensively characterize the scaffolds. The results indicate that the effective stiffness and permeability of the scaffolds are directly influenced by the trabecular orientation. In contrast, other parameters, such as porosity, trabecular thickness, trabecular spacing, and curvatures, can be kept constant with respect to the trabecular orientation. These findings, in conjunction with mechano-biological considerations, provide a robust design workflow to optimize the micro-environment for bone growth. This framework offers a valuable tool for selecting the most suitable scaffold architecture according to the specific external loads, thereby enhancing the efficacy and reliability of bone scaffolds in clinical applications. Through this approach, the aim is to improve the precision and outcomes of bone tissue engineering, contributing to the development of advanced therapeutic solutions for bone repair and regeneration.