Calcium sulfate bone scaffolds with controllable porous structure by selective laser sintering

Abstract

The calcium sulfate (CaSO 4 ) bone scaffolds with high porosity and interconnectivity and controllable pore size were prepared by using selective laser sintering. The phase composition, micro morphology and biocompatibility were investigated by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and microculture tetrazolium test. The results showed that the CaSO 4 powders fused better and a more compact structure was built due to the decrease of holes in the scaffold at laser power of 7 W compared with 6 W or lower. At this time, both compressive strength and fracture toughness were optimal. While CaSO 4 decomposed and resulted in the mechanical properties decreasing when laser power further increased. Consequently, the mechanical properties of the scaffolds decreased. Moreover, the osteoblast-like cells attached on the scaffolds were obtained by cell culture in vitro. The results revealed that the cells could adhere and grow well on the scaffolds.

Combination of calcium sulfate and simvastatin-controlled release microspheres enhances bone repair in critical-sized rat calvarial bone defects

“…[11][12][13][14] Calcium phosphate (CP) ceramics have been used since the 1980s in orthopedics, 15 and are similar in composition to an inorganic apatite. 16,17 In general, CP and hydroxyapatite (HAp) show effective biocompatibility, with osteoconductive properties and without immunogenic or toxic side effects. 16,17 However, HAp-sintered ceramics, which are widely used, have limited bioresorbability, causing the HAp to remain in the body long after implantation.…”

“…16,17 In general, CP and hydroxyapatite (HAp) show effective biocompatibility, with osteoconductive properties and without immunogenic or toxic side effects. 16,17 However, HAp-sintered ceramics, which are widely used, have limited bioresorbability, causing the HAp to remain in the body long after implantation. 18 CP exhibits superior degradation characteristics during bone regeneration compared with HAp.…”

Bioactive Tetracalcium Phosphate Scaffolds Fabricated by Selective Laser Sintering for Bone Regeneration Applications

“…In the research, as the power of the laser increased, the compressive strength and fracture toughness of the scaffold decreased accordingly because of the abnormal grains that developed during the growth process [30]. The Vickers hardness was 371 HV at 6 W and 405 HV at 9 W. However, the Vickers hardness decreased to 400 HV at 10 W. The hardness can reflect the elastic and plastic deformation resistance of TTCP [31]. Therefore, TTCP scaffolds sintered at 9 W had the best mechanical properties among the tested scaffolds.…”

Silk-Based Materials for Hard Tissue Engineering

“…Biomimetic minerals for hard tissue engineering, which enhance osseointegration, can rely on biosimilars such as calcium sulfate or phosphate ceramics as synthetic and hydroxyapatite as a naturally occurring form of bone mineral [ 39 ]. Building scaffolds out of these materials can be realized upon melting and fusing individual ceramic particles using laser sintering at temperatures above 1000 °C [ 45 , 46 , 47 ]. Utilizing this rapid prototyping technique, also polymeric carrier materials can be fused at lower temperatures (about 70–200 °C) whilst molding and binding ceramic particles into bionanocomposites and simultaneously removing the binder [ 48 , 49 ].…”