Mechanical and cell attachment evaluation of additively manufactured biomimetic architected scaffolds for tissue engineering

This study investigates the mechanical and biological properties of biomimetic Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) based scaffolds Gyroid, Split P, and Neovius fabricated using the stereolithography process of additive manufacturing technique and biocompatible material for bone tissue engineering applications. Scaffolds were printed in both uniform and graded configurations at a fixed 60 % relative density and dimensions of 20 mm in diameter × 2 mm thickness. Compression test, energy absorption capacity and cell proliferation and attachment of the TPMS, were tested and analysed. The test results revealed that graded structures, particularly Split P and Neovius, demonstrated superior compressive strength, specific energy absorption, and elasticity compared to their uniform counterparts, indicating their suitability for load-bearing applications. Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses confirmed the consistency and accuracy of the 3D printed material distribution and structural performance. Biological evaluation using the A549 cell line demonstrated statistically significant differences in cell viability (p < 0.001) across scaffold types over 24, 48, and 72 h. Because A549 is a non-osteogenic screening model, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary cytocompatibility and attachment outcomes rather than osteogenic performance. This geometry-focused, material-agnostic study uses a dimensionally accurate SLA resin to isolate the effects of uniform vs. graded TPMS architectures on mechanics and early cell compatibility, establishing a controlled baseline to inform future work with bone-relevant cells and bioactive ceramics/metals. The Gyroid scaffold supported the highest early-stage proliferation, attributed to its continuous and highly interconnected pore geometry. These results emphasize the importance of geometry and grading in achieving a balance between mechanical integrity and biological compatibility. The potential of graded TPMS scaffolds to meet the complex demands of bone regeneration, providing a customizable platform for the development of next-generation orthopedic implants is suggested.