Continuum Modeling and Simulation in Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Bone tissue engineering is currently a mature methodology from a research perspective. Moreover, modeling and simulation of involved processes and phenomena in BTE have been proved in a number of papers to be an excellent assessment tool in the stages of design and proof of concept through in-vivo or in-vitro experimentation. In this paper, a review of the most relevant contributions in modeling and simulation, in silico, in BTE applications is conducted. The most popular in silico simulations in BTE are classified into: (i) Mechanics modeling and scaffold design, (ii) transport and flow modeling, and (iii) modeling of physical phenomena. The paper is restricted to the review of the numerical implementation and simulation of continuum theories applied to different processes in BTE, such that molecular dynamics or discrete approaches are out of the scope of the paper. Two main conclusions are drawn at the end of the paper: First, the great potential and advantages that in silico simulation offers in BTE, and second, the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to further validate numerical models developed in BTE.

Advances in biomimetic collagen mineralisation and future approaches to bone tissue engineering

“…[ 153 , 155 , 156 , 157 , 158 , 159 ] Therefore, approximations and assumptions typically must be used when simulating bone minerals [ 10 , 41 ] ; even when these data are obtained experimentally, they are seldom applicable to other studies. These issues are a substantial barrier to validating in silico models of bone, [ 160 ] though modelling has already provided unique insight into the atomic and molecular interactions at the early stages of bone formation. [ 154 ] Despite the challenges in validating in silico bone simulations, isolated models of molecular interactions between collagen molecules [ 154 ] and complementary structural agents are feasible and could accelerate the development of novel matrices which better mimic cancellous or cortical bone structure.…”

Bioceramics for medical applications: a computational view

“…Bone tissue engineering (BTE) to treat osteoporosis is done where the fluid flow is studied using FEM using computational fluid dynamics [123]. In the case of bone scaffolds with a specified shape, the construction of lattices with tuned properties, and numerous mechanobiological models, BTE has been utilized to determine the ideal load [124-132].…”

Special Issue on “Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering”

“…Finally, the Special Issue ends with a review of the state-of-the-art numerical modeling and simulation of BTE [18]. This paper emphasizes the importance of in silico simulations in two main contexts: First, to optimize and reduce in vitro and in vivo tests (and hence to reduce time and cost) to evaluate the performance of biomaterials in BTE processes.…”