Bioactivity Improvement of Forsterite-Based Scaffolds with nano-58S Bioactive Glass

Forsterite-based composite scaffolds with interconnected pore architecture were successfully manufactured via selective laser sintering. The nano-58S bioactive glass (BG) was added to forsterite for purpose of improving the bioactivity of the composite scaffolds. The effect of nano-58S BG contents on the biological behavior and mechanical properties was investigated. The results showed that the composite scaffolds could induce the formation of apatite compared with the pure forsterite scaffolds. Moreover, with increasing nano-58S BG, the scattered spherical apatite particles accumulated continuously and covered the whole surface. At last the apatite layer became sponge-like shape. The presence of apatite was confirmed with scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, MG-63 cells adhesion was enhanced with increase in the amount of the nano-58S BG. Besides, the maximum compressive strength was 43.9 +/- 1.1MPa when the nano-58S BG was 20.0 wt%. This study indicated that the composite scaffolds have a potential for bone tissue engineering.