Determining the optimal design parameters for gyroids using computational fluid dynamics analysis under a non-Newtonian perfusion system

A gyroid scaffold provides a biologically acceptable environment for tissue growth and regeneration of injured tissue and organs. The effective waste and nutrient transport between implanted scaffolds and surrounding tissue remains a key challenge in bone tissue engineering. Consequently, this study aims to assess the flow transport parameters of gyroid scaffolds, focusing on their porous structures, which are commonly used as scaffold units in recent times. In this study, a computational fluid dynamics analysis was done with the four types of gyroids to identify the optimum scaffold for the better growth or regeneration of tissue. The different hydrodynamics parameters were observed for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids for different gyroid structures. The variation of wall shear stress (WSS) and permeability were studied and compared for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids between gyroids. Later, a sinusoidal non-Newtonian flow was applied to the gyroids to examine the responses due to pulsatile flow. The results showed that non-Newtonian flow generates higher WSS and lower permeability than Newtonian flow within gyroids in each case. Furthermore, additional regions within the scaffold were found to fall within the favorable zone for bone growth under pulsatile flow conditions. The findings of this study hold promise for enhancing scaffold design in tissue engineering and identifying ways to promote optimal cell seeding areas within the scaffold in vitro.