Unit cell analysis and characterization of three-dimensional two-phase tissue scaffolds

Three-dimensional (3D) porous tissue scaffolds are being engineered to promote cell attachment, cell proliferation and functioning heterogeneous tissue formation. A scaffold's structure and transport capabilities need to mimic cells' natural geometrical and architectural environment and will need to consistently provide a flux throughout the scaffold to deliver materials for growth and waste-removal. This paper presents our work on establishing a connectivity characterization of designed unit cell tissue structures for surface alignment between units to insure both geometric connectivity and mass and fluid transport within a heterogeneous tissue scaffold to meet both structural and biological requirements for cell growth and tissue growth. To capture this information, skeletal representations of the unit cell structures have been utilized for subsequent assembly processes.