AZTERLAN and TECNUN develop a model of the behaviour of biodegradable scaffolds used in regenerative medicine

The new computer model represents the degradation of the scaffolds in physiological media, as well as the mechanical response of these structures. This model has been presented at the XXXVIII Yearly Congress of Spanish Biomedical Engineering Society, which took place on November 25th, 26th and 27th.

The use of porous structures or scaffolds that work as a means of support for cellular proliferation is a usual strategy applied by regenerative medicine. As tissue grows, these structures keep degrading until they are, finally, reabsorbed by the body.

The mechanical properties of these elements are a key aspect to ensure the correct growth of cellular tissue during the process. To ensure these properties, TECNUN and AZTERLAN have studied and modelled the behaviour to wear of these porous materials in physiological media, as well as their stiffness and the breaking charge at every moment of the degradation.

In the words of the authors, “the results of this new model make it possible to correlate the temporary evolution of the microstructure, the mass-loss, the static module, breaking charge and crack apparition”. The proposed algorithm has made it possible to reproduce realistic geometries and their behaviour in a controlled way.

Distribución de las tensiones en la microestructura según aumenta la deformación aplicada.

This research work is aligned with the growing importance of simulation tools when developing new materials and structures that can respond to more requiring and specific applications.

Simulation tools bring significant advantages that pivot from experimental process reduction to minimising characterisation tests and posterior quality controls, ensuring soundness and the structural characteristics of the components. In the field of materials and processes development, these tools permit to evaluate the behaviour of materials and designs to diverse contour parameters, as well as to optimise the design of components and tooling involved in their manufacture process.

This new model has been presented at the XXXVIII XXXVIII Yearly Congress of Biomedical Engineering Spanish Society held on November 25th, 26th and 27th.