Publication Date:
2017-07-18
Description:
The compressive strength and MC3T3 cell attachment and proliferation response of robocast hydroxyapatite-derived scaffolds was evaluated for samples fabricated by conventional and freeze-drying methods followed by sintering at 1100 °C or 1300 °C. Both the sintering temperature and, especially, the drying method affected significantly the size and morphology of the residual microporosity within the robocast scaffold's struts. The freeze-drying method generated a persistent large (1-10 um) microporosity of dendritic morphology that was found to improve the biological response of hydroxyapatite-derived scaffolds. Conversely, conventional drying enhances the compressive strength of the structures. Strength was also increased at the higher sintering temperature, although at the expense of a poorer cell proliferation behaviour. The results of this study suggest that the use of a freeze drying process after printing by robocasting provides a very appropriate method for enhancing the biological performance and reliability of bioceramic robocast scaffolds without severely reducing their compressive strength. And, thus, shows promise as an effective method to optimize the performance of robocast scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Print ISSN:
1546-542X
Electronic ISSN:
1744-7402
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
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