Young’s Modulus Optimisation of Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces using Full Factorial Design

Bone tissue scaffolds that closely mimic the mechanical and biological properties of natural bone is critical for enhancing the outcomes in treatment of bone tissue damages. This study introduces an optimisation approach to designing bone tissue engineering scaffolds using Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures, evaluated through a Full Factorial Design methodology. Finite Element Analysis was applied to simulate the TPMS scaffolds under mechanical loading. The influence of key factors of strut thickness, unit cell configuration, and TPMS type, on the scaffold’s mechanical performance, specifically targeting Young's modulus was evaluated. By employing Full Factorial Design, this study generates empirical models of Young’s modulus as a function of those key factors. Primitive and Gyroid TPMS structures emerged as optimal, achieving Young's modulus values of 4912.3 MPa and 4666.7 MPa, respectively, with configurations of 0.01 mm strut thickness in a 3-unit cell construct. These results demonstrate that optimised TPMS scaffolds can meet the mechanical demands of bone tissue while providing adequate porosity for cell proliferation and nutrient transport, essential for effective bone regeneration.