Design and fabrication of CAP scaffolds by indirect solid free form fabrication

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Abstract
Purpose: To fabricate the self‐hardening calcium phosphate composite scaffolds with controlled internal pore architectures using rapid prototyping (RP) techniques and investigate their in vitro bone tissue engineering responses.Design/methodology/approach: The three‐dimensionally interconnected pores in scaffolds can facilitate sufficient supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients for the ingrowth of bone cells, tissue regeneration, and vascularization. It is essential for bone tissue engineering to provide an accurate control over the scaffolds material, porosity, and internal pore architectures. Negative image of scaffold was designed and epoxy resin molds were fabricated on sterolithography apparatus. Calcium phosphate cement slurry was cast in these molds. After self‐hardening, the molds were removed by pyrolysis and the resulting scaffolds were obtained.Findings: Eight scaffolds with 54.45 percent porosity were tested on an Instron machine. The average compressive strength measured was 5.8±0.8 Mpa. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation studies were conducted with rabbit osteoblast. Results showed that these scaffolds were non‐toxic and displayed excellent cell growth during the 2 weeks of in vitro culture.Research limitations/implications: The resulting scaffolds inherited errors and defects from the molds, such as cracks and dimensional changes.Originality/value: The present method enhances the versatility of scaffold fabrication by RP. It is capable of reproducibly fabricating scaffolds from a variety of biomaterials.

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