Integration of freeze-drying and Lugol-enhanced µCT imaging in virtual meniscus modelling for 3D printing and FE analysis

Integration of freeze-drying and Lugol-enhanced µCT imaging in virtual meniscus modelling for 3D printing and FE analysis | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Integration of freeze-drying and Lugol-enhanced µCT imaging in virtual meniscus modelling for 3D printing and FE analysis Anna-Christina Moser, Jennifer Fritz, Alexander Otahal, Andreas Kesselring, and 7 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4237259/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The knee menisci maintain stability and function of a healthy knee joint. Therefore, degenerative, or traumatic meniscus injuries may require meniscal implants to restore function. The aim of this study was to create a 3D-printable meniscus implant that emphasizes the representation of circumferential collagen fibres for biomechanical function. A novel Lugol-staining and freeze-drying technique was developed to prepare six human menisci for analysis of circumferential fibre volume proportion using μCT scans. Average volumes of 46.09% and 50.23% were observed in the medial and lateral meniscus, respectively. The resulting STL file, generated with UltiMaker Cura, had a circumferential infill structure occupying 48% of the total volume. A Python script was developed to extract coordinates from the G-code, facilitating the conversion of complex STL geometries into detailed volumetric finite element models (FEMs). These FEMs allow adjustment of volume proportions and outer layer thicknesses for finite element analysis (FEA), enabling virtual simulations to assess biomechanical properties and modify designs prior to implant manufacture. This methodology represents a promising avenue for advances in orthopaedic tissue engineering employing 3D-printing approaches. Health sciences/Medical research/Translational research Biological sciences/Computational biology and bioinformatics/Computational models Physical sciences/Mathematics and computing/Computational science Health sciences/Anatomy/Musculoskeletal system/Cartilage Full Text Additional Declarations There is NO Competing Interest. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4237259","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":288976446,"identity":"f14b98ac-6f3a-4e3c-b76d-e8aed532c041","order_by":0,"name":"Anna-Christina 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