Development of Parametric Voronoi-Based Scaffolds for Trabecular Bone Tissue Replacement Using Additive Manufacturing

Tissue engineering is a technique for regenerating living tissue using portions of the patient's tissue, which are dissociated into cells and cultured on biological or synthetic supports before being transferred to the patient. In this context, the present study seeks to develop implant models (scaffolds) for replacing trabecular bone tissue, with requirements such as porosity and interconnected pores. All design development was aimed at the manufacturing of scaffolds using the material extrusion additive manufacturing process. For the development of this study, the Grasshopper program was utilized, an extension of Rhino that facilitates the creation of structures easily modifiable by parameters. The model developed involves applying the Voronoi 2D diagram in two perpendicular planes to generate extruded structures along a vector perpendicular to the plane of the respective diagram. This approach aims to create a Voronoi-based pore structure interconnected in two directions. Prototypes have been produced that fulfil the requirements for pore structure interconnection and porosity calculation, which are essential properties for a scaffold intended to replace trabecular bone tissue. In addition, the geometry of the prototypes was very close to the original model, even using low-resolution 3D printers.