Gradient scaffolds developed by parametric modeling with selective laser sintering

In bone tissue engineering, gradient scaffolds have drawn more attention for having better bionic characteristics than uniform scaffolds. In this study, a parameterized method for developing scaffolds with customized compression modulus distribution was proposed based on selective laser sintering (SLS) and the Primitive triply periodic minimal surfaces (TMPS). Uniform and gradient scaffolds were modeled by the developed method and prepared using polyamide 12 (PA12) material. Then, analysis of the mechanical properties, the energy ab-sorption characteristics, and the permeability of the designed Primitive porous scaffolds was conducted with compression experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The results demonstrate that the proposed parametric modeling method enables the effective fabricating of gradient porous scaffolds with expected me-chanical performance. Further, the gradient scaffolds have a comprehensive performance of both agreeable mechanical properties and permeability. Meanwhile, cell tests show that the irregular structures of the gradient scaffolds promote cell adhesion and migration, which is favorable for the growth of bone tissue. These findings provide guidelines for developing customized gradient scaffolds, and promote the application of energy-absorbing or cell proliferation structures in engineering.