Optimization Approaches for the Design of Additively Manufactured Scaffolds - Tissue Engineering: Computer Modeling, Biofabrication and Cell Behavior - page 110

Optimization Approaches for the Design
of Additively Manufactured Scaffolds

Sara M. Giannitelli, Alberto Rainer, Dino Accoto, Stefano De Porcellinis,
Elena M. De-Juan-Pardo, Eugenio Guglielmelli, and Marcella Trombetta

Abstract Scaffolds play a pivotal role in tissue engineering, promoting the synthe-
sis of neo extra-cellular matrix (ECM), and providing temporary mechanical support
for the cells during tissue regeneration. Advances introduced by additive manufac-
turing techniques have significantly improved the ability to regulate scaffold archi-
tecture, enhancing the control over scaffold shape and porosity. Thus, considerable
research efforts have been devoted to the fabrication of 3D porous scaffolds with op-
timized micro-architectural features. This chapter gives an overview of the methods
for the design of additively manufactured scaffolds and their applicability in tissue
engineering (TE). Along with a survey of the state of the art, the Authors will also
present a recently developed method, called Load-Adaptive Scaffold Architecturing
(LASA), which returns scaffold architectures optimized for given applied mechan-
ical loads systems, once the specific stress distribution is evaluated through Finite
Element Analysis (FEA).

1 Introduction

Scaffolds are central to tissue engineering (TE), as they provide a suitable envi-
ronment for cell adhesion, proliferation, and production of neo-extracellular matrix
(ECM), while ensuring a temporary mechanical support during tissue regeneration.

S.M. Giannitelli M. Trombetta

Tissue Engineering Laboratory, CIR-Center for Integrated Research, Università Campus
Bio-Medico di Roma, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy

· A. Rainer ·

D. Accoto E. Guglielmelli

Biomedical Robotics and Biomicrosystems Laboratory, CIR-Center for Integrated Research,
Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy

·

S. De Porcellinis
Biomatica Srl, via G. Peroni 442/444, 00131 Rome, Italy

E.M. De-Juan-Pardo
Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Unit, CEIT and Tecnun, University of Navarra, Manuel de
Lardizábal 15, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain