Processing and strengthening of 58S bioactive glass-infiltrated titania scaffolds

In this work, TiO2 ceramic scaffolds were fabricated by the replica method using polyurethane (PU) sponges. Suspensions with high solid content were used to achieve scaffolds with improved mechanical behavior. TiO2 ceramic suspensions were optimized by rheological studies using different additives. It was found that the composition with 0.5 wt % Darvan enhanced the covering of the sponge struts. PU sponges of 45 to 80 ppi (pore per inch) were well coated without clogging pores. A thermal treatment with varying holding times, temperatures and heating rates was adjusted. The influence of different pore sizes on mechanical strength was evaluated. It was possible to obtain TiO2 scaffolds with 90% porosity and high pore interconnectivity, having compressive strength exceeding 0.6 MPa. TiO2 scaffolds were filled up with a 58S bioactive glass suspension to impart bioactive character to the scaffolds. These hybrid structures presented mechanical strengthening of about 26-213% depending on their sponge porosity. The prediction for cells viability via zeta potential measures indicated that this hybrid material is very promising for scaffold application with -19 to -25 mV between pH of 7.35-7.45. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 590-600, 2017.