Application of Image Processing and Finite Element Analysis in Bionic Scaffolds' Design Optimizing and Fabrication.

Design optimizing is the key step in obtaining bionic scaffolds with proper shape and inner microstructure, which are two critical parameters for bionic scaffolds in Tissue Engineering. In this paper, the application of image processing and finite element analysis in the design optimizing of bionic scaffold's shape and inner microstructure were studied respectively. The bionic scaffold's shape was obtained through Mimics' image processing and 3D reconstruction technologies. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used in evaluating the mechanical properties of scaffold's structure models with different macro-pores shape and distribution to obtain the optimized parameters. Three groups of bioceramic scaffolds samples were fabricated through an indirect method combining stereolithography (SLA) and slurry casting, and then mechanical experiments were tested. The change trendy of the compressive strength obtained through mechanical experiments was consistent with the FEA results basically so the significance of FEA in bionic scaffolds' design optimizing was proved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]