Advances in Computational Techniques for Bio-Inspired Cellular Materials in the Field of Biomechanics: Current Trends and Prospects

Cellular materials have a wide range of applications, including structural optimization and biomedical applications. Due to their porous topology, which promotes cell adhesion and proliferation, cellular materials are particularly suited for tissue engineering and the development of new structural solutions for biomechanical applications. Furthermore, cellular materials can be effective in adjusting mechanical properties, which is especially important in the design of implants where low stiffness and high strength are required to avoid stress shielding and promote bone growth. The mechanical response of such scaffolds can be improved further by employing functional gradients of the scaffold's porosity and other approaches, including traditional structural optimization frameworks; modified algorithms; bio-inspired phenomena; and artificial intelligence via machine learning (or deep learning). Multiscale tools are also useful in the topological design of said materials. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of the aforementioned techniques, aiming to identify current and future trends in orthopedic biomechanics research, specifically implant and scaffold design.

Automated summary

Cellular materials have diverse applications in areas such as structural optimization and biomedical applications. Their porous structure promotes cell adhesion and proliferation, making them well-suited for tissue engineering and biomechanical applications. They can also effectively adjust mechanical properties, which is crucial in designing implants that require low stiffness and high strength to prevent stress shielding and promote bone growth. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of various techniques, including artificial intelligence and functional gradients, in orthopedic biomechanics research for implant and scaffold design.