Biphasic calcium phosphate macroporous scaffolds derived from oyster shells for bone tissue engineering

The aim of this work was to fabricate a macroporous scaffold from oyster shell by using an innovative combination of techniques. Crassostrea angulata shell characterized by a natural microporous structure (2–10 μm) was used as raw material. Firstly, plate-like nanocrystals of AB-type carbonated hydroxyapatite (HA) were produced by hydrothermal conversion of fine-milled oyster shell powders. Secondly, interconnected macroporous scaffolds were prepared with the polymer replication method. The obtained scaffolds presented a biphasic structure of hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate (HA/β-TCP) with a porosity of 91.4 ± 1.2%, and showed an excellent permeability due to the open macropores (200–500 μm) and interconnected micropores (100–500 nm) in macropore walls. The synthetic scaffolds were found to be non-cytotoxic and displayed better biocompatibility than pure HA scaffolds when seeded with pre-osteoblasts cells (MC3T3-E1). Therefore, the macroporous scaffolds derived from oyster shells would offer promising alternatives for bone tissue engineering applications.

► A new biphasic calcium phosphate macroporous scaffold for bone tissue engineering was fabricated.
► Oyster shell waste as raw material.
► An innovative combination of hydrothermal reaction and polymer replication method.
► The scaffolds were characterized by high porosity and excellent permeability.
► The scaffolds had excellent in vitro biocompatibility with pre-osteoblasts.