Abstract
Hydrogels are one of the most widespread biomaterials used in tissue engineering. However, they possess weak mechanical properties and are often unstable in load‐bearing applications in vivo. A novel class of flexible Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy lattices manufactured using laser powder bed fusion (L‐PBF) serves as a tunable reinforcement for hydrogels, providing them with additional mechanical stability and flexibility, while ensuring biocompatibility. A study on the design parameters of the structural elements of the lattices is performed to evaluate their influence on the mechanical properties of the structure. Mechanical testing of Ti–6Al–4V lattices shows a compressive modulus ranging from 38.9 to 895.5 kPa in the flexible direction. In the other two directions, the lattices are designed to have minimal flexibility. Lattices embedded in a 1% agarose hydrogel show a strain‐rate‐dependent, viscoelastic behavior given by the hydrogel component with the additional stiffness of the titanium lattice. Stress distribution upon loading is simulated using finite element analysis (FEA) and compared to experimental data using multiple regression statistical analysis. As a proof of concept, an intervertebral spinal disc implant is designed with mechanical properties matching the compressive moduli of the nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus reported in the literature.
Highlights
IntroductionThanks to the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies such as fusion deposition modeling, electro-
Thanks to the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies such as fusion deposition modeling, electro-To mimic the structural and biomechanical properties of biological tissues, most biofabrication approaches are based on the combination of cells and biopolymers such as hydrogels.[1]
The goal of this study was not to perform an in-depth Finite element analysis (FEA) to perfectly predict the mechanical properties of the manufactured samples; rather it was performed to guide in the design process and to perform a rapid screening for the choice of design parameters
Summary
Thanks to the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies such as fusion deposition modeling, electro-. To mimic the structural and biomechanical properties of biological tissues, most biofabrication approaches are based on the combination of cells and biopolymers such as hydrogels.[1] Hydrogels spinning, and melt electrowriting, many approaches have focused on the use of biodegradable polymers to reinforce hydrogels.[23,24]. Predicting the in vivo degradation half-life of these. M. Zenobi-Wong Institute for Biomechanics ETH Zurich reinforcement materials from in vitro tests remains challenging.[25,26,27] the hydrolytic degradation of such polymers releases byproducts that may accumulate in tissues and have shown to cause inflammation[28] and even cytotoxicity.[29]
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