Topographical screening identifies optimal micropatterns for functional rat Achilles tendon regeneration.

Six micropatterned scaffolds were fabricated via photolithography and implanted in a rat Achilles tendon injury model.

Pit scaffolds outperformed column scaffolds, promoting collagen deposition, reducing adhesion, and upregulating Tnmd and DCN.

The pit structure with 21 μm diameter and 26 μm spacing designated P-21-26 emerged as the optimal topography.

These results demonstrate that a 21 μm pit topography optimally balances inflammation and fibrosis, leading to superior functional tendon regeneration.