New 3D stratified Si-Ca-P porous scaffolds obtained by sol-gel and polymer replica method: Microstructural, mineralogical and chemical characterization

The aim of this research was to develop and characterize a novel stratified porous scaffold for future uses in bone tissue engineering. In this study, a calcium silicophosphate porous scaffold, with nominal composition 29.32 wt% SiO2 - 67.8 wt% CaO - 2.88 wt% P2O5, was produced using the sol-gel and polymer replication methods. Polyurethane sponges were used as templates which were impregnated with a homogeneous sol solution and sintered at 950 °C and 1400 °C during 8 h. The characteristics of the 3D stratified porous scaffolds were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry, Diametric Compression of Discs Test and Hg porosimetry techniques. The result showed highly porous stratified calcium silicophosphate scaffolds with micro and macropores interconnected. Also, the material has a diametrical strength dependent on the number of layers of the stratified scaffolds and the sintering temperature.