Design and fused deposition modeling of triply periodic minimal surface scaffolds with channels and hydrogel for breast reconstruction

Abstract

3D-printed scaffolds that forge a new path for regenerative medicine are widely used in breast reconstruction due to their personalized shape and adjustable mechanical properties. However, the elastic modulus of present breast scaffolds is significantly higher than that of native breast tissue, leading to insufficient stimulation for cell differentiation and tissue formation. In addition, the lack of a tissue-like environment results in breast scaffolds being difficult to promote cell growth. This paper presents a geometrically new scaffold, featuring a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) that ensures structural stability and multiple parallel channels that can modulate elastic modulus as required. The geometrical parameters for TPMS and parallel channels were optimized to obtain ideal elastic modulus and permeability through numerical simulations. The topologically optimized scaffold integrated with two types of structures was then fabricated using fused deposition modeling. Finally, the poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate/gelatin methacrylate hydrogel loaded with human adipose-derived stem cells was incorporated into the scaffold by perfusion and ultraviolet curing for improvement of the cell growth environment. Compressive experiments were also performed to verify the mechanical performance of the scaffold, demonstrating high structural stability, appropriate tissue-like elastic modulus (0.2 – 0.83 MPa), and rebound capability (80% of the original height). In addition, the scaffold exhibited a wide energy absorption window, offering reliable load buffering capability. The biocompatibility was also confirmed by cell live/dead staining assay.