Custom Design And Primary Construction Of Mandibular Condyle Scaffold

Part 1 Custom design of mandibular condyle scaffold based on CT imageObjectiveTo explore the methods of designing the negative mold of mandibular condyle scaffold individually by medical image processing and reverse engineering technology, and attempt to provide a new effective way for custom design of mandibular condyle scaffold.MethodsCranial CT image data were processed in Mimics software for reconstruction of one side of ramus of mandible, then the reconstruction image were input into Solidworks software to edit and form the format of STL. Lastly we acquired the negative mold of mandibular condyle scaffold.Results1.Establishment of three-dimensional ramus of mandible Cranial CT data were input into Mimics 8.1 software by the format of DICOM, in which after utilizing thresholding and region growing, the 3D model of ramus of mandible was gotten and would be output by the format of STL.2.Establishment of three-dimensional negative mold of mandibular condyle scaffoldGrid data of ramus of mandible were treated by utilizing the "scan to 3D" module of Solidworks 2010 to generate a solid model. Then we completed the construction of the negative mode of mandibular condyle scaffold through operating the command of "cavity", which was then cut into three parts through the command of "segmentation". Lastly these parts were output by the format of STL.ConclusionsBased on cranial CT image data, we have acquired the grid data of ramus of mandible by applying three-dimensional reconstruction software Mimics 8.1, then the grid data were edited by mechanical design software Solidworks 2010 in order to get the characteristic curve. Ultimately we get the negative mold of mandibular condyle scaffold through the expression of three-dimensional surface.Part 2 Primary construction of mandibular condyle scaffold based on rapid prototyping technologyObjectiveTo explore the methods of fabricating biphasic mandibular condyle scaffold by applying rapid prototyping and mold-cast technologies in order to provide a new tool for producing the solid model of mandibular condyle scaffold.MethodsFirstly, the negative mold of mandibular condyle scaffold acquired from Solidworks 2010 was input to objet studio software, then corresponding works were executed including the placement of model. After adjustment, we sent it to job manager for three-dimensional printing. Secondly, we eliminated the support materials of the resin mold of condyle scaffold and got the solid one, then fixed the mold, in which we cast collagen in lower layer, PLGA in middle layer, CPC and PLGA microspheres in higher layer. After cured, we removed the resin mold and got the biphasic mandibular condyle scaffold model. Lastly, we observed its microstructure by SEM.ResultsWe have acquired the resin model of the negative mandibular condyle scaffold mold by rapid prototyping technology, and gotten an integral biphasic scaffold through casting biomaterials. The results of SEM revealed that the model consists of two parts.ConclusionsThe combination of rapid prototyping technology, medical imaging technology, materials takes a lot of advantages. They could acquire and reconstruct the external contour and biphasic structure of mandibular condyle. By this way, we realize the custom fabrication of mandibular condyle scaffold and lay the foundation for bone tissue engineering toward clinical application.