Structure design and mechanical properties study of 3D printed gradient scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering

As individuals’ age, cumulative exposure to friction and compressive forces on joints causes significant wear and tear, increasing susceptibility to conditions like osteoarthritis. Traditional clinical treatments often prove inadequate in addressing extensive cartilage loss. This paper evaluates the mechanical properties and porosity of triply periodic minimal surface structures and lattice configurations, fabricated using 3D printing technology. Centered on the Gyroid topology, 16 distinct structural designs were generated by modifying dimensions, wall thicknesses, and gradient configurations. The compressive strength, compressive modulus, load-bearing capacity, permeability and shear stress were comprehensively evaluated. The results demonstrate that gradient-designed Gyroid cell unit scaffolds with dimensions of 3 mm and 4 mm achieved an optimal balance between mechanical performance and permeability. These findings suggest that these two structural designs have substantial potential for future clinical applications in cartilage repair, potentially transforming treatment approaches for joint-related degenerative diseases.