Laser Sintering of Nano 13-93 Glass Scaffolds: Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Bioactivity

  • Y. Cao State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, Central South University
  • B. Yang State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, Central South University
  • C. Gao State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, Central South University
  • P. Feng State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, Central South University
  • C. Shuai State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, Central South University; Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina

Abstract

As the only bioactive material that can bond with both hard tissues and soft tissues, bioactive glass has become much important in the field of tissue engineering. 13-93 bioactive glass scaffolds were fabricated via selective laser sintering (SLS). It was focused on the effects of laser sintering on microstructure and mechanical properties of the scaffolds. The experimental results showed that the sintered layer gradually became dense with the laser power increasing and then some defects occurred, such as macroscopic caves. The optimum compressive strength and fracture toughness were 21.43±0.87 MPa and 1.14±0.09 MPa.m1/2, respectively. In vitro bioactivity showed that there was the bone-like apatite layer on the surface of the scaffolds after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF), which was further evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Moreover, cell culture study showed MG-63 cells adhered and spread well on the scaffolds, and proliferated with increasing time in cell culture. These indicated excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility of nano 13-93 glass scaffolds.

Published
2017-12-13
Section
Articles