Scaffold Design Optimization Using Computational Surrogate Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scaffold design optimization methods for enhanced bone healing are slow and computationally costly, making them impractical for commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer program that utilize a computational model combining finite element and mechano-biological models to optimize scaffold design for enhanced bone healing, along with a computational surrogate model for fast and accurate parameter optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If numerical or computational optimization methods are used to maximize scaffold mechanical properties, then scaffold stiffness is improved, but bone regeneration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from optimizing for maximum stiffness to optimizing for mechanical properties within a physiological range (0.5-2.0 GPa for cortical bone equivalence). This involves changing the optimization objective from maximizing mechanical strength to matching tissue-mimicking properties, thereby enabling both adequate structural support and favorable cellular responses for bone regeneration.
2Strength
If scaffold design is optimized for the situation immediately after surgery, then initial mechanical support is improved, but bone formation later is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing time-dependent mechanical properties that evolve during the bone regeneration process. The scaffold's mechanical properties are designed to change over time, starting with higher stiffness for immediate post-surgery support and gradually decreasing as bone regeneration progresses, thereby providing appropriate mechanical cues at each stage of healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the scaffold's mechanical property evolution to match the expected bone regeneration timeline. The mechanical properties are designed in advance to provide the right stiffness at each stage of healing, ensuring that the scaffold automatically adapts its mechanical support as bone formation progresses without requiring external intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If trial and error approach is used for scaffold design, then design flexibility is maintained, but development time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a comprehensive computational framework and database of mechanical properties before physical prototyping begins. This pre-computational design phase allows multiple design iterations to be evaluated virtually, reducing the need for repeated physical trials and significantly accelerating the development process while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by using computational models and simulations to create virtual replicas of scaffold designs and their mechanical behavior. These digital twins allow designers to test and optimize scaffold performance in silico before manufacturing physical prototypes, thereby reducing development time while preserving design adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for performing scaffold design optimization (h) towards enhanced bone healing, the method comprising the steps of a) Inputting a set of parameters comprising information about a geometry and a material of a scaffold (3) to a computational model, the computational model comprising a finite element model and a mechano-biological computational model, wherein the finite element model determines and provides a set of mechanical information data for the set of parameters to the mechano-biological computational model, wherein the mechano-biological computational model determines from the set of mechanical information data a regenerated bone volume; b) Determining a plurality of regenerated bone volumes for a plurality of sets of parameters according to step a), such as to generate a scaffold bone data associating the regenerated bone volume with the corresponding set of parameters; c) Determining a computational surrogate model consisting of an analytical expression configured to associate the regenerated bone volumes with the sets of parameters from the scaffold bone data; and d) Determining from the computational surrogate model an optimum set of parameters for which the computational surrogate model puts out a maximum regenerated bone volume. The invention also concerns a computer program and a method to manufacture a scaffold (3).