Compression properties and optimization design of SLM Ti6Al4V square pore tissue engineering scaffolds

The tissue engineering technology provides a new way to solve bone defect. Porous scaffolds supply support and adhesion space for cells. Design of pore structure of scaffolds is one of the key points in tissue engineering scaffolds, because the structure affects the performance of scaffolds directly. In this paper, mechanical properties of square porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds are studied. By finite element simulation, it can be found that the support structure in vertical direction assumes main force, so the structure can be optimized through relative density mapping (RDM) method. The modified arch structures can improve bearing effect of structure with the same porosity. The designed structures are obtained by selective laser melting. Results of compressive strength indicate that the compressive strength decreases with the increase of porosity. When the porosity is between 40% and 60%, the error of compressive strength calculated by Gibson-Ashby model is below 8%. Moreover, the optimized structure clears a better bearing effect, and the bearing capacity can be increased by 20%-30% under the same porosity.

Graphene oxide reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol): nanocomposite scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

In this study, graphene oxide is incorporated into poly(vinyl alcohol) for the purpose of improving the mechanical properties. Nanocomposite scaffolds with an interconnected porous structure are fabricated by selective laser sintering.

Preparation of complex porous scaffolds via selective laser sintering of poly(vinyl alcohol)/calcium silicate

Biodegradable polymer/bioceramic composite scaffolds can overcome the limitations of polymer scaffolds such as poor compressive strength and bioactivity. In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol)/calcium silicate (CaSiO3) composite scaffolds with fully interconnected porous structures and customized shapes were successfully fabricated via selective laser sintering. The microstructure, porosity, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were characterized. Based on the results, CaSiO3 particles were well dispersed and embedded in the poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix after sintering. The compressive strength increased with increasing the content of CaSiO3 up to 15 wt%, and then decreased with further increasing CaSiO3 content to 20 wt%. Our study also revealed that the scaffolds could not be fabricated successfully as fewer poly(vinyl alcohol) particles fused together when CaSiO3 was higher than 20 wt%. Based on the in vitro data, the poly(vinyl alcohol)/CaSiO3 composite scaffolds possess good bioactivity and cytocompatibility.