In Silico Design of 3D Biomimetic Nanofibrous Sacaffolds for Tissue Engineering: Development of Parametric Geometries for Efficient Optimization

N. JAUREGUI; G. CARR; F. MONTINI BALLARIN; S.A. URQUIZA

Mar del Plata

Congreso; XII Latin-American Congress of Artificial Organs and Biomaterials; 2023

Introduction and objective: 3D printing processing technologies, like Melt Electrospinning Writing (MEW) or Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), produce highly ordered 3D scaffolds following a G-code file [1]. The development of parametric geometries eliminates the need to design each microstructure separately, enabling the generation of scaffolds with varying microstructure, porosity, and composition by only adjusting the parameters established in the design. Moreover, these virtual geometries can be used for printing the structures but also for modelling their mechanical response by Finite Elements Analysis (FEA) and predicting the optimal combination that results in a biomimetic response [2]. 3D parametric structures using Salome-Meca software are presented.Methodology: A parametric library of geometries for MEW technology is generated using Salome-Meca software. Different characteristic geometries with different angles and fibers curling degree were selected in order to represent natural tissues extracellular matrices of interest. The parameters selected were fiber diameter, curvature, quantity per layer, angle, among others for the same geometry. As a result, automated CAD design of the scaffolds to be printed with MEW was obtained. Results and discussion: The focus on developing parametric geometries using Salome-Meca software plays a key role in the project success. The parametric library allows the rapid generation of a wide range of biomimetic nanofibrous matrices with diverse microstructures and compositions. This in silico design allow the production of multilayered scaffolds with the same base geometry, as well as a combination of different geometries in other to mimic a more complex tissue microstructure. The 3D scaffold design for MEW processing technology was speeded up significantly, thereby reducing the complexities of the optimization process. The next step will involve morphology and porosity characterization through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study how suitable parameter adjustments faithfully replicate the in silico designed geometries.Conclusions: The development of parametric geometries using Salome-Meca has been instrumental in streamlining the in silico design of 3D biomimetic nanofibrous scaffolds. The combination of Salome-Meca and 3D printing technologies has significantly improved the time invested in optimizing the fibrous matrices, enabling swift selection of characteristics for specific tissue engineering applications. This approach represents a promising tool to enhance efficiency and precision in the design of biomedical implants, contributing to the field of biomaterials science.