Effect of Lattice Structure and Composite Precursor on Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Bone Scaffolds

Abstract

This article presents an investigation on designing and fabricating scaffolds with different structures, desired porosity, composition, and surface area to volume ratio (SA:V) for orthopedic applications by using the computer-aided design (CAD) and the stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing technique. Different triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) and functionally graded lattice structures (FGLS) were designed based on various cell geometries. Finite element analysis (FEA), tensile and compression tests were carried out, and the results are presented. Two different resin compositions were used to print the models and compare the effect of resin precursors on the mechanical properties of scaffolds. The first was a biodegradable resin made from soybean oil commercially available on the market (made by Anycubic Co.). The second was a mixture of biodegradable UV-cured resin with 5% W/W of hydroxyapatite (HA) and 5% W/W calcium pyrophosphate (CPP). Bio-Hydroxyapatite and Bio-Calcium Pyrophosphate were obtained from eggshells waste and characterized using XRD and FESEM. The obtained data show that adding resin precursors (HA/CPP) slightly decreases the mechanical strength of printed scaffolds; however, considering their extraordinary effect on bone regeneration, this small effect can be ignored, and HA/CPP can be used as an ideal agent in bioscaffolds.