Fabrication of HA/β-TCP scaffolds based on micro-syringe extrusion system

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel and concise technique of fabricating HA/beta-TCP composite ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering via extrusion deposition method. Design/methodology/approach - A new rapid prototyping (RP) machine called motor assisted micro-syringe (MAM) system is used in the authors' research. It is implemented to control the morphology, pore size and porosity of scaffolds precisely and to optimize their mechanical properties in this study. Findings - In the fabrication process, HA/beta-TCP ceramic composite slurry with prominent uniformity, stability and liquidity is prepared by deliberating the influential factors such as its ingredient, pH and viscosity. After optimizing the system parameters, scaffolds with homogeneous and interconnected pores in sizes ranging from 50 to 580 mu m were obtained, and the whole process had excellent stability and repeatability. The average compressive strength of scaffolds with a porosity of around 50% reaches 50.33 MPa after sintered in microwave furnace at 1,200 degrees C for 30 min. Research limitations/implications - Degradation rates and biological properties concluding experiments in vitro and vivo should be further investigated. Practical implications - The paper describes a brief method with excellent stability and repeatability which is practical for manufacturing composite ceramic scaffolds with desirable structures and strength. Originality/value - The mentioned method can be used in tissue engineering, not only proper for ceramics scaffolds but many medical application fields such as implants.