Novel fabrication of forsterite scaffold with improved mechanical properties

In this study, the macroporous forsterite scaffolds with highly interconnected spherical pores, with sizes ranged from 50 to 200 μm have been successfully fabricated via gelcasting method. The crystallite size of the forsterite scaffolds was measured in the range 26–35 nm. Total porosity of different bodies sintered at different sintering temperatures was calculated in the range 81–86%, while open porosity ranges from 69 to 78%. The maximum values of compressive strength and elastic modulus of the prepared scaffolds were found to be about 2.43 MPa and 182 MPa, respectively, which are close to the lower limit of the compressive strength and elastic modulus of cancellous bone and the compressive strength is equal to the standard for a porous bioceramic bone implant (2.4 MPa). Transmission electron microscopy analyses showed that the particle sizes are smaller than 100 nm. In vitro test in the simulated body fluid proved the good bioactivity of the prepared scaffold. It seems that, the mentioned properties could make the forsterite scaffold appropriate for tissue engineering applications, but cell culture and in vivo tests are needed for more confidence.

Research highlights▶ Forsterite scaffold with highly interconnected pores was fabricated for the first time. ▶ The particle size was smaller than 100 nm and the grain size was in the range 26–35 nm. ▶ The value of total porosity was calculated in the range 81–86%. ▶ The maximum value of compressive strength was about 2.43 MPa. ▶ The compressive strength is close to the standard for a porous bioceramic bone implant.