Using simulations with realistic fibrous network geometry to determine the achievable ranges of macroscopic mechanical behaviors of elastomeric scaffolds

Abstract

Event Abstract Back to Event Using simulations with realistic fibrous network geometry to determine the achievable ranges of macroscopic mechanical behaviors of elastomeric scaffolds Michael S Sacks1, 2 and Greg Rodin2 1 The University of Texas at Austin, Biomedical Engineering, United States 2 the University of Texas at Austin, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, United States Introduction: Tissue engineers seek to produce tissues that function biologically and mechanically as well as the native tissues they are built to replace. This macroscopic behavior is strongly influenced by the evolution of the complex microstructural geometry of the underlying scaffold. Elastomeric scaffolds manufactured by the electrospinning process produces layers of long-fiber networks. It has been found that knowledge of the fiber properties, fiber density, and orientation density function are sufficient to predict the bulk mechanical behavior. However, the micro- and meso-scale mechanisms responsible for the behavior remain unclear. Initial simulations based on experimentally derived geometry suggest that the load induced emergence of long fiber paths may be a mechanism contributing to the observed bulk mechanical behavior. Methods: The purpose of this study was to develop and utilize computational models, based on realistic fiber geometry, to understand the mechanisms that translate scaffold fiber network structure into tissue simulating function. We also explored the range of macroscopic material behaviors that are achievable from the domain of producible microstructural geometries and elastomeric fiber properties, both essential first steps in developing the ability to design engineered tissues that mimic native tissue behavior. Results: We performed 3-D, non-linear micromechanical simulations of layers of long-fiber networks, generated using a random walk procedure that mimics the scaffold structure. Using these realistic fiber networks, we are able to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the stress-strain curve in ways not possible previously. For example, by independently varying the initial geometric anisotropy and the initial tortuosity, we separated the effects of each of these variables on the nonlinearity of the stress-straincurve. Discussion: Insights such as these inform macroscale material models that can be used to guide the design of scaffolds and the selection of manufacturing parameters so that the resulting engineered tissues mimic the non-linear mechanical behavior of the native tissues. NIH R01 HL68816 Keywords: modeling, Scaffold, microstructure, 3D scaffold Conference: 10th World Biomaterials Congress, Montréal, Canada, 17 May - 22 May, 2016. Presentation Type: Poster Topic: Computational modeling in biomaterials science and engineering Citation: Sacks M and Rodin G (2016). Using simulations with realistic fibrous network geometry to determine the achievable ranges of macroscopic mechanical behaviors of elastomeric scaffolds. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. Conference Abstract: 10th World Biomaterials Congress. doi: 10.3389/conf.FBIOE.2016.01.03023 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 28 Mar 2016; Published Online: 30 Mar 2016. Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Michael S Sacks Greg Rodin Google Michael S Sacks Greg Rodin Google Scholar Michael S Sacks Greg Rodin PubMed Michael S Sacks Greg Rodin Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.