Primitive Architecture Fosters Cell Proliferation and Provides Mechanical Strength in 3-D Printed Polycaprolactone

Rachel Bonfini

This project was made possible through the 2023 Erickson Discovery Grant. Bone fractures are a common occurrence and sometimes require surgical reconstruction. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biocompatible and biodegradable material, which can be used for the creation of bone scaffolds. Extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) of PCL provides a pathway to designing complex infill architectures that may improve cellular proliferation. The purpose of this project is to determine the combination of porous geometry and layer height setting that provides the best microenvironment for cellular proliferation and bone regeneration.

Major: 
Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Exhibition Category: 
Engineering
Exhibition Format: 
Poster Presentation
Campus: 
University Park
Faculty Sponsor: 
Guha Manogharan
Poster Number: 
122