Rational positioning of 3D-printed voxels to realize high-fidelity multifunctional soft-hard interfaces
Mauricio Cruz Saldivar (TU Delft - Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics)
Robin Petrus Veeger (Student TU Delft)
Edwin Tay (TU Delft - Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics)
M. Fenu (TU Delft - BN/Gijsje Koenderink Lab, Erasmus MC)
M. Klimopoulou (TU Delft - Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics)
G.J.V.M. van Osch (Erasmus MC, TU Delft - Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics)
L. E. Fratila-Apachitei (TU Delft - Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics)
EL Doubrovski (TU Delft - Mechatronic Design)
Mohammad J. Mirzaali (TU Delft - Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics)
Amir A. Zadpoor (TU Delft - Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics)
G.B. More Authors (External organisation)
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Abstract
Living organisms use functional gradients (FGs) to interface hard and soft materials (e.g., bone and tendon), a strategy with engineering potential. Past attempts involving hard (or soft) phase ratio variation have led to mechanical property inaccuracies because of microscale-material macroscale-property nonlinearity. This study examines 3D-printed voxels from either hard or soft phase to decode this relationship. Combining micro/macroscale experiments and finite element simulations, a power law model emerges, linking voxel arrangement to composite properties. This model guides the creation of voxel-level FG structures, resulting in two biomimetic constructs mimicking specific bone-soft tissue interfaces with superior mechanical properties. Additionally, the model studies the FG influence on murine preosteoblast and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (hBMSC) morphology and protein expression, driving rational design of soft-hard interfaces in biomedical applications.
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