Structure design and mechanical properties study of 3D printed gradient scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering

用于软骨组织工程的3D打印梯度支架的结构设计和力学性能研究

Lanbo Wang†, Hewen Zhang†, Yiyu Feng†, Quanming Yang, Minjian Zhang, Yali Dai , Aihua Sun, Jianjun Guo, Ruqing Ye*, Yuchuan Cheng*

王澜博†，张鹤文†，封奕妤†，杨铨铭，张敏建，戴雅莉，孙爱华，郭建军，叶如卿*，程昱川*

全文链接：https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2025.12.044

Abstract

     随着个体年龄增长，关节长期承受摩擦与压应力作用会导致显著磨损，从而增加患骨关节炎等疾病的风险。传统临床治疗方法在应对大面积软骨缺损时往往疗效不足。本研究通过3D打印技术制备了三周期极小曲面结构及晶格构型，系统评估其力学性能与孔隙特性。以Gyroid拓扑结构为核心，通过调控单元尺寸、壁厚参数及梯度配置方式构建了16种差异化结构模型。实验全面检测了抗压强度、压缩模量、承载能力、渗透性及剪切应力等关键指标。结果表明：采用梯度设计的3 mm与4 mm Gyroid单元支架在力学性能与渗透性之间实现了最优平衡。这一发现提示这两种结构设计方案在软骨修复领域具有重要临床应用前景，有望为关节退行性疾病的治疗策略带来突破性变革。

  As individuals age, cumulative exposure to friction and compressive forces on joints causes significant wear and tear, increasing susceptibility to conditions like osteoarthritis. Traditional clinical treatments often prove inadequate in addressing extensive cartilage loss. This paper evaluates the mechanical properties and porosity of triply periodic minimal surface structures and lattice configurations, fabricated using 3D printing technology. Centered on the Gyroid topology, 16 distinct structural designs were generated by modifying dimensions, wall thicknesses, and gradient configurations. The compressive strength, compressive modulus, load-bearing capacity, permeability and shear stress were comprehensively evaluated. The results demonstrate that gradient-designed Gyroid cell unit scaffolds with dimensions of 3 mm and 4 mm achieved an optimal balance between mechanical performance and permeability. These findings suggest that these two structural designs have substantial potential for future clinical applications in cartilage repair, potentially transforming treatment approaches for joint-related degenerative diseases.

Highligts

•  Evaluates 3D printed gradient Gyroid scaffolds to overcome limitations in treating extensive cartilage defects.

•  Creates 16 Gyroid structures by varying dimensions, wall thickness, and gradient.

•  Gradient Gyroid scaffolds with 3-4 mm unit cell size achieve the best balance of mechanical strength and permeability for load-bearing.

•  Demonstrates promise for 3D printed gradient Gyroid scaffolds in revolutionizing cartilage repair approach.