Page 371 - IJB-10-5

International

Journal of Bioprinting

RESEARCH ARTICLE
Design and fabrication of anisotropic SiO gyroid
2
bioscaffolds with tunable properties

Ka-Wai Yeung 1 id , Chi-Yeung Mang , Quan-Jing Mei , Chi Ho Wong 3 id ,
1
2
Chak-Yin Tang * , Xin Zhao 2 id , Wing-Cheung Law 1 id , Gary Chi-Pong Tsui 1 id ,
1,4 id
and Zhenjia Huang 1
1 Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong
Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
2 Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, The Hong Kong
Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
3
Department of Physics, School of Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology,
Hong Kong, China
4 State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology, Department of Industrial and
Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong,
China

Abstract
This paper introduces a mathematical approach and additive manufacturing
process to customize the mechanical properties of sheet gyroid bioscaffolds and
mimicking the intricate architecture of natural bone. By defining the parameters of
the level-set equation, scaffolds with spatially controlled porosity and anisotropic
properties can be fabricated though digital light processing and microwave
heating. A new susceptor-assisted hybrid pyrolysis-sintering process was developed,
resulting in a significant enhancement in quality and mechanical properties of the
*Corresponding authors:
Chak-Yin Tang three-dimensional (3D)-printed ceramic compared to conventional methods. The
(cy.tang@polyu.edu.hk) enhancements are originated from the improved densification, accelerated sintering
kinetics, promotion of cristobalite phase transformation, and reduced defect volume
Citation: Yeung K-W, Mang C-Y,
Mei Q-J, et al. Design and under microwave heating. Sheet gyroid scaffolds with radially graded porosity and
fabrication of anisotropic SiO gyroid anisotropic properties were fabricated. Despite the porosity distribution, an increase
2
bioscaffolds with tunable properties. in the unit cell’s aspect ratio amplified the anisotropic mechanical properties. This
Int J Bioprint. 2024;10(5):3609.
doi: 10.36922/ijb.3609 was also accompanied by a slight decrease in cell proliferation efficiency possibly
due to variations in Gaussian curvatures.
Received: May 8, 2024
Accepted: June 11, 2024
Published Online: August 8, 2024
Keywords: Biomimetic structure; Triply periodic minimal surface; Microwave
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s). technology; 3D Printing; Ceramic bioscaffold
This is an Open Access article
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution
License, permitting distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, 1. Introduction
provided the original work is
properly cited. Ceramic bioscaffolds that mimic the physical and mechanical properties of natural human
Publisher’s Note: AccScience bone are crucial to achieve optimal bone regeneration. Achieving this involves precise
Publishing remains neutral with manipulation of factors like volume fraction, pore size, and surface topography. Triply
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS), particularly the gyroid structure, offer promising scaffold
1–4
affiliations. design for bone regeneration. Their geometries can be meticulously controlled through

Volume 10 Issue 5 (2024) 363 doi: 10.36922/ijb.3609