Deformation Behaviour of Optimised Three-Dimensional Axisymmetric Chiral Auxetic Structures

Biomedicines. 2025 Nov 18;13(11):2816. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines13112816.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Developing functional tissue constructs via 3D bioprinting relies heavily on scaffold architecture, demanding precise mechanical tunability and high-resolution feature fidelity. Methods: This paper presents a novel approach utilising photocurable resins and resin 3D printing to fabricate auxetic axisymmetric chiral structures (ACSs), which can be used for advanced scaffold engineering. Results: The experimental tests showed that the optimised ACS (optACS) possess superior mechanical properties compared to their non-optimised counterpart. Both analysed structures possess an auxetic behaviour up to 40% longitudinal strain, with a Poisson's ratio of about -0.1. Conclusions: This auxetic capability is promising for biomedical applications, particularly in developing enhanced stents or tissue scaffolds.

Keywords: 3D printing; auxetic; axisymmetric chiral structures; deformation behaviour; mechanical testing; optimisation.