In vitro bioactivity of HAp/TiO 2 scaffolds fabricated by combination of the gel-casting and polymer sponge methods |
Paper ID : 1490-UFGNSM-FULL |
Authors: |
Abstract: |
Porous HAp/TiO2 scaffolds were fabricated from HAp/TiO2 nanocomposite powders by using a new technique of combining the gel-casting and polymer sponge methods. With this technique, we were able to produce scaffolds with mechanical and bioactivity properties that cannot be attained by either the hydroxyapatite or titania matters. The pore morphology, size, and distribution of the scaffolds were characterized using a scanning electron microscope. X-ray diffraction was used to determine the chemical composition of scaffolds. The bioactivity of the HAp/titania scaffolds was evaluated by immersing porous biocomposites in the simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7 and 14 days. In addition compressive yield strength of scaffolds was characterized. The pores were shown to be open, uniform and interconnected with dimensions in the range 200–400 µm. Mechanical tests revealed that compressive yield strength of scaffolds decreased by increasing titania proportion in HAp/TiO2 scaffolds. In vitro results also showed a rise in bioactivity of scaffolds. Increase of the bioactivity of scaffolds is related to the addition of titania by inducing apatite nucleation on the scaffold’s surface after being immersed in SBF. Scaffolds with desired porosity, pore size, and geometry can be prepared by using polymer sponges of appropriate structures. |
Keywords: |
Hydroxyapatite; Titania; Nanocomposite; Gel-sponge technique; Mechanical properties; Bioactivity |
Status : Paper Accepted (Poster Presentation) |