Design Simulation and Fabrication of 3D Bioprinting Artificial Tendon from Elastomer for Soft Tissue Composite

Abstract

Recently, researchers are trying use 3D bioprinting as a key platform to make artificial tendons for being composite with patients' own teared tendon to help their recovery speed. In this work, tendon design and simulation could be processed to investigate the mechanical properties of artificial tendons. It could be fabricated by using Solid Work program which is a software for designing 3D workpieces until we obtained the tendon shape as according to the requirement of hand surgeon which accomplished in all 3 forms. After bringing all 3 artificial tendons to simulation by comparing the mechanical properties, the condition size of 4.0-mm width and 1.0-mm of hole diameter could provide the most suitable mechanical strength for forming the actual tendon prototype. Moreover, we have also successfully fabricated the tendon prototype material using 3D bioprinting with elastomeric polymer.