Stochastic modeling, virtual refinement and deterministic fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds

Tissue engineering attempts to address the ever widening gap between the demand and supply of organ and tissue transplants using natural and biomimetic scaffolds. The current scaffold fabrication techniques can be broadly classified into (a) conventional, irreproducible, stochastic techniques producing biomorphic "secundam naturam" but sub optimal scaffold architecture and (b) rapidly emerging, repeatable, computer-controlled Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) producing, "contra naturam" scaffold architecture. This paper presents an image-based scaffold optimization strategy based on microCT images of the conventional scaffolds. This approach, attempted and perfected for the first time, synergistically exploits the orthogonal techniques to create repeatable, biomorphic scaffolds with optimal scaffold geometry. The ramifications of this image based computer assisted intervention to improve the status quo of scaffold fabrication might contribute to the previously elusive deployment of promising benchside tissue analogs to the clinical bedside.