Enhanced mechanical and sintering properties of MgO-TiO2 ceramic composite via digital light processing

Enhanced mechanical properties and biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite scaffolds by magnesium and titanium oxides for bone tissue applications

Significant attention has been devoted to bioactive implants for bone tissue applications, particularly composite scaffolds based on hydroxyapatite (HaP). This study explores the effects of Magnesium and Titanium oxides on the characteristics of HaP-based composite (HMT) scaffolds. The ceramic nanopowders were synthesized using in situ sol-gel, and then the scaffolds were fabricated by gel-casting technique, followed by heat treatment at 1200 °C. The thermal, microstructural, and structural properties of the samples were investigated by different characterization techniques. It was observed that the formation of the MgTiO3 phase in the composite scaffold was likely the key factor contributing to the improved mechanical properties. Finally, to evaluate bioactivity and biodegradability, scaffolds were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) buffer and analyzed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and the viability of human fibroblast cells was assessed using the MTT assay. The composite scaffolds containing the MgTiO3 phase showed greater HaP layer formation on the scaffold surface, indicating enhanced biocompatibility.

3D printed barium titanate/calcium silicate composite biological scaffold combined with structural and material properties

In the case of a large bone defect, the human endogenous electrical field is no longer sufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to support structural electrical bone scaffolds. Barium titanate (BT) has received much attention in bone tissue engineering applications due to its biocompatibility and ability to maintain charged surfaces. However, its processability is poor and it does not have the biological activity to promote mineralization, which limits its use in bone repair. In this paper, a composite bone scaffold with excellent piezoelectric properties was prepared by combining 20 wt% calcium silicate. The influence of the light curing process on the properties of the piezoelectric biological scaffold was investigated by comparing it with the traditional piezoelectric ceramic molding method (dry pressing). Despite the structural features of 3D printing (layered structure, pore features), the piezoelectric and mechanical properties of the scaffold are weakened. However, 3D-printed scaffolds can combine structural and piezoelectric properties, which makes the 3D-printed scaffold more effective in terms of degradation and antibacterial performance. In terms of cell activity, piezoelectric properties attract proteins and nutrients into the scaffold, promoting cell growth and differentiation. Besides, it is undeniable that the pore structure of the scaffolds plays an important role in the biological properties. Finally, the 3D printed scaffolds have excellent antimicrobial properties due to the redox reaction under piezoelectric effect as well as structural characterization.