Direct ink writing of silica-carbon-calcite composite scaffolds from a silicone resin and fillers. Issue 15 (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elsayed, Hamada; Carraro, Francesco; Agnoli, Stefano; Bellucci, Devis; Cannillo, Valeria; Ferroni, Letizia; Gardin, Chiara; Zavan, Barbara; Bernardo, Enrico
• Is Part Of: Journal of the European Ceramic Society. Volume 38:Issue 15(2018)
• Page Start: 5200
• Page End: 5207
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Calcite -- Direct 3D printing -- Bioactivity -- Preceramic polymers -- Biocompatibility; Ceramic materials -- Periodicals; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Matériaux céramiques -- Périodiques; Composites -- Périodiques; Ceramic materials; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 666.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2018.07.049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0955-2219

Abstract

Abstract: Calcite-based composite scaffolds have been successfully 3D-printed by direct ink writing, starting from a paste comprising a silicone polymer and calcite (CaCO3 ) powders. The firing in nitrogen, at 600 °C, after preliminary cross-linking step at 350 °C, determined the transformation of the polymer matrix into a silica-carbon nano-composite, embedding unreacted calcite particles. Compared to previously developed silica-calcite scaffolds, obtained after firing in air, the new composites exhibited a significant strength improvement (up to ∼10 MPa, for a total open porosity of 56%). The new formulation did not compromise the in vitro bioactivity and the biocompatibility of the scaffolds, as shown by dissolution studies in SBF and preliminary cell culture tests, with human fibroblasts. Due to the simplicity of the processing and the outstanding mechanical performances, the developed scaffolds are promising candidates for bone tissue engineering applications.