A methodological approach towards the bio-inspired design of novel scaffolds for tissue engineering

Abstract

The design of scaffolds for multi-tissue regeneration is very complex in terms of material and structure, as a direct consequence of hierarchical and organizational features. TRIZ represents the Russian acronym for the “Theory of Inventive Problem Solving” (TIPS). TRIZ is able to identify and codify such principles, using them to make the creative process more predictable. It is a methodology for the identification of the system conflicts and contradictions in order to solve the inventive problems. Its multidisciplinary features and the general approach to product design can make TRIZ as an intriguing starting point for the biomimetic approach in a systematic and organized way. Biomimetics aims at a complete integration between nature and technology. In this scenario, BioTRIZ shares the contradiction resolution method of the Altshuller’s theory, representing a systematic biomimetic approach towards the product design. In the current study, BioTRIZ was considered to systematize the process of bio-inspired design of 3D optimized scaffolds for the regeneration of complex tissue defects. A device for the regeneration of osteochondral tissue defects was considered as a case study. The technical solutions involved the design of a two-compartment, hybrid and functionally graded scaffold.