Fabrication of 3D bioactive ceramic scaffolds by robocasting

Abstract

Tricalcium phosphate ceramics are bioactive and osteoconductive biomaterials that support cellular functions and can develop appropriate mechanical characteristics for bone tissue engineering. Fast prototyping techniques permit to obtain accurate control over scaffolding architecture with high reproducibility. Flexible composites are considered to promote mechano-biological stimulation during cell culture. The aim of this study is to fabricate flexible bioceramic scaffolds by robocasting and to determine biological improvements related to their added flexible properties. Characterized 3D β - TCP/gelatin scaffolds with interconnected porous structure were fabricated using robocasting. SEM micrographs showed fabricated porous scaffolds with desired pore size (~200 μm), rods diameter (~840 μm), porosity and mechanical strength. Alamar Blue assay was performed for static and dynamic cultures along 21 days. Oscillatory flow conditions allowed considerable higher cell proliferation compared with static conditions.