The assessment of permeability of biological implant structure using DLP-manufactured TPMS lattice physical models

Abstract

This paper embarks on a comprehensive investigation into the permeability of a biological implant structure. The present study focuses on a gyroid lattice structure, miming the intricate architecture of trabecular bone within the human body. The approach allowed the identification of the structure with optimal permeability via fluid flow through experimental testing of TPMS structures prepared using Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing. These structures serve as experimental models for assessing fluid flow permeability. Radial permeative flow is the central phenomenon of interest, and its behavior is analyzed in relation to variables such as porosity and viscosity. Experimental findings are meticulously compared with numerical predictions to achieve an understanding of the permeability properties. The resulting discrepancies are critically examined and discussed, shedding light on potential areas for further refinement in implant design and fabrication processes. This research represents a significant contribution to the burgeoning field of bioengineering, as it offers a novel approach to evaluating implant structures, particularly optimizing permeability.