THE ROLE OF SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING IN BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is currently a mature methodology from both a research and production perspectives. A lot of works has furthermore proved that modeling and simulation of BTE involved processes could be an excellent assessment tool in the stages of design and proof of concept of BTE solutions before the "in-vivo" or "in-vitro" experimentation. In fact, models can be used to predict "in-silico" the performance of a certain in-vivo applications by means of a virtual assay conducted by the computer. The simulation can be patient-specific accounting for the specific characteristics in hands. Moreover, in silico simulations reduce time and cost of the assays, as well as reducing animal experimentation with its subsequent ethical implications. Mathematical modeling and computer simulation have now a notable role both in the design and evaluation stages of scaffolds in BTE applications. In the design phase, the mechanical properties (elasticity modulus, strength, toughness) and fluidic properties (diffusivity and permeability) are essential for the overall success of the scaffold. Moreover the degradation properties and characteristics are also of interest for a certain BTE experiment.