Characterization of 3D Printed PLA Scaffolds Through Experimental and Modeling Approaches

Scaffolds serve as an artificial extracellular matrix used to support the formation of tissue and should meet a number of requirements as porous architecture and mechanical strength consistent with the anatomical site of implantation. The aim of the work was the preliminary characterization of polylactide scaffolds fabricated with the use of 3D printing. Scaffolds were fabricated in two shapes: a cube and a cylinder. The accuracy and reproducibility of the printed samples were estimated. Printed scaffolds showed a small positive dimensional deviation in comparison with the designed CAD model. When comparing the influence of the shape of PLA scaffolds on compression behavior, cube-shaped scaffolds presented lower values than cylinder-shaped scaffolds with similar void spaces. This preliminary study enables to assess the influence of the combination of printing parameters and scaffold shape on compressive behavior of fabricated PLA scaffolds, both through experimental and modeling approaches. The FEM analysis showed agreement to some extent with the experimental results and can be a useful tool in the acceleration of the design process of scaffolds, enabling the simulation of various loads. The next step of the analysis will be in vitro degradation study in the simulated biological environment.