Fabrication and characterization of porous HA/β-TCP scaffolds strengthened with micro-ribs structure

The minimal demands for scaffolds include a guaranteed strength over time. In this study, a novel porous HA/β-TCP bioceramic scaffold with micro-ribs structure was fabricated by extrusion deposition technique and microwave sintering. Micro-ribs were placed at the center and corners of scaffold along the direction of load. Mechanical behaviors were studied to verify the strengthening effect of micro-ribs. Compared to the scaffold without micro-ribs, the average compressive strength of newly developed scaffold was remarkably improved from 28.3 MPa to 45.6 MPa under the porosity of 50%. Moreover, it also exhibited more stable and longer lasting mechanical strength during degradation in vitro. The effectiveness of micro-ribs on improving the mechanical performance of scaffolds provided a structural design reference for bone tissue engineering.

► Porous HA/β-TCP scaffold with designed micro-ribs was obtained by combining extrusion deposition technique with microwave sintering method. ► The strengthening effect of micro-ribs on the HA/β-TCP porous scaffold was investigated, and found that scaffolds with micro-ribs exhibited more stable and long lasting mechanical strength even in degradation. ► The effectiveness of micro-ribs on improving mechanical performance of scaffolds provided a structural design reference for bone tissue engineering.