In this work, TiO ceramic scaffolds were fabricated by the replica method using polyurethane (PU) sponges. Suspensions with high solid content were used to achieve scaffolds with improved mechanical behavior. TiO ceramic suspensions were optimized by rheological studies using different additives. It was found that the composition with 0.5 wt % Darvan enhanced the covering of the sponge struts. PU sponges of 45 to 80 ppi (pore per inch) were well coated without clogging pores. A thermal treatment with varying holding times, temperatures and heating rates was adjusted. The influence of different pore sizes on mechanical strength was evaluated. It was possible to obtain TiO scaffolds with 90% porosity and high pore interconnectivity, having compressive strength exceeding 0.6 MPa. TiO scaffolds were filled up with a 58S bioactive glass suspension to impart bioactive character to the scaffolds. These hybrid structures presented mechanical strengthening of about 26-213% depending on their sponge porosity. The prediction for cells viability via zeta potential measures indicated that this hybrid material is very promising for scaffold application with -19 to -25 mV between pH of 7.35-7.45. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 590-600, 2017.

A LZSA (Li2O-ZrO2-SiO2-Al2O3) glass-ceramic porous media produced by the replication method has been studied for relatively low temperature applications. Different suspensions have been tested, and appropriated parameters to obtain good impregnation and green strength were determined. The structures after the sintering process (975 °C for 120 min) were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and showed a good reproducibility for the best tested suspensions (70.0 wt.% LZSA, 3.5 wt.% bentonite as binder and 1.5 wt.% Darvan 821A as dispersant) Strut and geometric densities were determined so that glass-ceramic foams with porosity of about 91% were obtained.