Fabrication of a novel nanostructured calcium zirconium silicate scaffolds prepared by a freeze-casting method for bone tissue engineering

In this research mechanical activation derived nanostructured calcium zirconium silicate(Ca3ZrSi2O9 or Baghdadite)-based scaffolds were fabricated by a water-based freeze casting method. By varying the solid loading of the mixture and the cooling rate, a range of structures with different pore sizes and strength characteristics were achieved and the effects of cooling rate and solid loading on pore sizes and mechanical characteristics of scaffolds were studied. Increasing the solid loading from 12.5% to 20% (v) led to a decrease in porosity and an increase in the compressive strength for both cooling rates. In addition, with the increase in cooling rate at the constant solid loading, parameters of linear shrinkage and also porosity decreased whereas strength increased significantly. According to the obtained mechanical results, the best mechanical properties were achieved when the scaffold was prepared at cooling rate and solid loading of 4 °C/min and 20% (v), respectively, (E=59.8 MPa and σ= 2.1 MPa).