A Novel Triad of Bio-Inspired Design, Digital Fabrication, and Bio-Derived Materials for Personalised Bone Repair

Abstract

The emerging paradigm of personalised bone repair embodies a transformative triad comprising bio-inspired design, digital fabrication, and the exploration of innovative materials. The increasing average age of the population, alongside the rising incidence of fractures associated with age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, necessitates the development of customised, efficient, and minimally invasive treatment modalities as alternatives to conventional methods (e.g., autografts, allografts, Ilizarov distraction, and bone fixators) typically employed to promote bone regeneration. A promising innovative technique involves the use of cellularised scaffolds incorporating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The selection of materials—ranging from metals and ceramics to synthetic or natural bio-derived polymers—combined with a design inspired by natural sources (including bone, corals, algae, shells, silk, and plants) facilitates the replication of geometries, architectures, porosities, biodegradation capabilities, and mechanical properties conducive to physiological bone regeneration. To mimic internal structures and geometries for construct customisation, scaffolds can be designed using Computer-aided Design (CAD) and fabricated via 3D-printing techniques. This approach not only enables precise control over external shapes and internal architectures but also accommodates the use of diverse materials that improve biological performance and provide economic advantages. Finally, advanced numerical models are employed to simulate, analyse, and optimise the complex processes involved in personalised bone regeneration, with computational predictions validated against experimental data and in vivo studies to ascertain the model’s ability to predict the recovery of bone shape and function.