Preparation, Characterization and Biological Studies of B-TCP and B-TCP/Al2O3 Scaffolds Obtained by Gel-Casting of Foams

Abstract

Replacement tissues for tissue engineering can be produced by seeding human cells onto scaffolds. In order to guarantee adequate bio-compatibility, porosity and mechanical resistance for promoting cellular growth, proliferation and differentiation within scaffold structures, it is necessary to investigate and improve materials and processing routes. beta-tricalcium phosphate can be considered a very suitable bio-ceramic material for bone therapy because of its biocompatibility, osteo-conductivity and neo-vascularization potential. Alumina is commonly used as a sintering additive. In this study, beta-TCP and beta-TCP/Al2O3 scaffolds were obtained by gel-casting method. The scaffolds showed high porosity (8688%) and pore sizes ranging from 200 to 500 mu m. Even though alumina did not promote improvement in beta-TCP/Al2O3 scaffolds in terms of mechanical performance, they showed great cytocompatibility as there was no cytotoxic and genotoxic effect. Therefore, beta-TCP and beta-TCP/Al2O3 scaffolds are good candidates for application in tissue engineering.