Mechanical and Biocompatibility Properties of Sintered Titanium Powder for Mimetic 3D-Printed Bone Scaffolds

Abstract

A composite comprising Ti and NaCl powders was sintered similar to a three-dimensional (3D)-printed patient-customized artificial bone scaffold. Additionally, a proper microstructure of the mimetic scaffold and the optimum processing parameters for its development were analyzed. The mechanical properties of the metal-based porous-structured framework used as an artificial bone scaffold were an optimum replacement for the human bone. Thus, it was confirmed that patient-customized scaffolds could be manufactured via 3D printing. The 3D-printed mimetic specimens were fabricated by a powder-sintering method using Ti for the metal parts, NaCl as the pore former, and polylactic acid as the biodegradable binder. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that pores were formed homogeneously, while X-ray computed tomography confirmed that open pores were generated. The porosity and pore size distribution were measured using a mercury porosimeter, while the flexural strength and flexural elastic modulus were calculated using the three-point bending test. Based on these measurements, a pore-former content of 15 vol % optimized the density and flexural strength to 2.52 g cm –2 and 283 MPa, respectively, similar to those of the actual iliac bone. According to the 3D-printing production method, a selective laser-sintering process was applied for the fabrication of the mimetic specimen, and it was determined that the microstructure and properties similar to those of previous metal specimens could be achieved in the as-prepared specimen. Additionally, a decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) was used to coat the surfaces and interiors of the specimens for evaluating their biocompatibilities. SEM image analysis indicated that the adipose-derived stem cells grew evenly inside the pores of the coated specimens, as compared with the bulky Ti specimens without the dECM coating. The doubling time at 65% was measured at 72, 75, and 83 h for specimens with pore-former contents of 5, 10, and 15 vol %, respectively. The doubling time without the pore former was 116 h. As compared with the specimens without the pore former (73 h), 15% of the dECM-coated specimens showed a doubling time of 64%, measured at 47 h.

Design for Additive Manufacturing: Recent Innovations and Future Directions

“…Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) uses the energy from a laser to heat and join powder particles together layer by layer to produce parts with specified geometries. The process is suitable for metals such as gold, silver, stainless steel, and titanium that can produce jewelry or bone tissue engineering scaffolds with microscale features [41,42]. Selective laser melting (SLM) is another common powder process that melts metal powder that cools to form designed parts [43].…”

The Art of Building Living Tissues: Exploring the Frontiers of Biofabrication with 3D Bioprinting

“…The requirement of biocompatibility is low when 3D bioprinted devices are used externally, as in the case of surgical/guiding stents, prostheses, and rehabilitation aids. However, the issue cannot be overlooked when the bioprinted implants are placed intrinsically. , The biocompatibility studies of such implants are lacking and pose a significant challenge to the success of tissue-engineered organs. The biodegradability rate of the implanted bioprinted organ is an essential aspect in the tissue regenerative process, where the implanted tissue should biodegrade at a similar pace as new tissue formation and promote the proliferation of cells along with the production of the extracellular matrix. , At the same time, the residue of biodegradation should be nontoxic.…”

Preparation and in vitro osteogenic evaluation of high-strength ceramic artificial bone loaded with anti-tuberculosis drug PaMZ

“…30 Similarly, the titanium scaffold examined by Choi et al exhibits excellent biocompatibility and physical properties, but it may encounter difficulties with absorption when implanted in vivo. 31 Moreover, hydroxyapatite can promote the repair of damaged tissues.…”