Patent ID: 6993406
Filing Date: 2006-01-31
Classification: A61F,A61L,B33Y

Abstract:
1. A method for making a three-dimensional, bio-compatible scaffold structure, comprising: designing a three-dimensional geometry of a scaffolding structure utilizing software implemented by a computer; said software selected from the group consisting of mass transport software and solid mechanics software to match a pre-selected property, said property selected from the group consisting of compressive modulus, compressive strength, porosity of the porous structure, tortuosity of the porous structure, and mass transport characteristics of the porous structure; and depositing a bio-compatible slurry as discrete elements in said three-dimensional geometry using a robocasting rapid-prototyping method to construct a three-dimensional, porous structure, said three-dimensional porous structure comprising macroporosity between approximately 0 and 80%, microporosity of said discrete elements between 0 and 70% and nanoporosity of said discrete elements between approximately 0 and 60%.