Mimicking the Human Tympanic Membrane: The Significance of Scaffold Geometry

The human tympanic membrane (TM) captures sound waves from the environment and transforms them into mechanical motion. successful transmission of these acoustic vibrations is attributed to unique architecture TM. However, a limited knowledge available on contribution its discrete anatomical features, which important for fabricating functional TM replacements. This work synergizes theoretical experimental approaches toward understanding significance geometry in tissue-engineered scaffolds. Three test designs along with plain control are chosen decouple some dominant structural elements, such as radial circumferential alignment collagen fibrils. In silico models suggest geometrical dependency their acoustical responses, where presence radially aligned fibers observed have more prominent effect compared counterparts. Following which, hybrid fabrication strategy combining electrospinning additive manufacturing has been optimized manufacture biomimetic scaffolds within dimensions native characterizations conducted using macroindentation laser Doppler vibrometry corroborate computational findings. Finally, biological studies dermal fibroblasts mesenchymal stromal cells reveal favorable influence scaffold hierarchy cellular subsequent deposition.