Porous Structures Simulation Analysis: The Effect of Different Strut Geometry on the Bone Scaffold

Porous structures have shown promise in biomedical applications, particularly for artificial implants, because they provide a large surface area for bone ingrowth. A simulation analysis model was developed in this study to evaluate the mechanical properties of various designs based on cubic unit cell scaffolds with varying strut geometries at the same porosity. Based on the diameter and cross-section type of the struts, porous bone scaffolds with the same porosity were developed. The porous structure bone scaffold with square cross-section struts is larger based on the pore size measurements. The porous structure bone scaffold with square cross-section struts has the highest compressive strength and modulus elasticity, according to this study. All bone scaffolds with porous structures, however, may meet the trabecular bone criteria (pore size, porosity, interconnectivity, and biocompatibility), but not the cortical bone criteria. Biomaterials with higher mechanical properties, or polymers combined with ceramics, will need to be researched in the future to match cortical bone's mechanical strength.