Design and production of sintered B [beta]-tricalcium phosphate 3D scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration

Abstract

In the past decade, Tissue Engineering has emerged as a promising approach to orthopedic healing. By combining biomaterials, cells and/or growth factors, some Tissue Engineering methodologies have been used in bone or cartilage regeneration. However, the production of an ideal scaffold to support bone tissue regeneration still raises many questions in the scientific community, not only in terms of conceptual design but also in the material selection. Computer Aided Tissue Engineering allows the design of scaffolds using as template, data from real patient’s bodies obtained for example with computed tomography (CT). The present study describes the characterization of the mechanical and biological properties of the sintered β-tricalcium phosphate 3D scaffold produced by rapid prototyping based on patient’s CT scan data. The scaffolds were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction and by mechanical tests adapted from C20 ASTM Standards Test Methods. Finally, the cytotoxic profile of the prepared scaffolds was evaluated in vitro by using human osteoblast cells. The results obtained showed that the scaffolds herein produced have good mechanical properties and are also biocompatible, which is fundamental for its application in a near future as bone substitutes for individualized therapy.