Nano SiO2 and MgO improve the properties of porous β-TCP scaffolds via advanced manufacturing technology

Int J Mol Sci. 2015 Mar 25;16(4):6818-30. doi: 10.3390/ijms16046818.

Abstract

Nano SiO2 and MgO particles were incorporated into β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds to improve the mechanical and biological properties. The porous cylindrical β-TCP scaffolds doped with 0.5 wt % SiO2, 1.0 wt % MgO, 0.5 wt % SiO2 + 1.0 wt % MgO were fabricated via selective laser sintering respectively and undoped β-TCP scaffold was also prepared as control. The phase composition and mechanical strength of the scaffolds were evaluated. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the phase transformation from β-TCP to α-TCP was inhibited after the addition of MgO. The compressive strength of scaffold was improved from 3.12 ± 0.36 MPa (β-TCP) to 5.74 ± 0.62 MPa (β-TCP/SiO2), 9.02 ± 0.55 MPa (β-TCP/MgO) and 10.43 ± 0.28 MPa (β-TCP/SiO2/MgO), respectively. The weight loss and apatite-forming ability of the scaffolds were evaluated by soaking them in simulated body fluid. The results demonstrated that both SiO2 and MgO dopings slowed down the degradation rate and improved the bioactivity of β-TCP scaffolds. In vitro cell culture studies indicated that SiO2 and MgO dopings facilitated cell attachment and proliferation. Combined addition of SiO2 and MgO were found optimal in enhancing both the mechanical and biological properties of β-TCP scaffold.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Calcium Phosphates / chemistry*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Humans
  • Magnesium Oxide / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing / methods
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Porosity
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Calcium Phosphates
  • beta-tricalcium phosphate
  • Magnesium Oxide
  • Silicon Dioxide