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.