Novel 3D Printed Bioceramic Scaffolds as In Vitro Models for Bone Tissue Regeneration

The use of porous three-dimensional bioceramic scaffolds to support bone tissue growth and regeneration is a longstanding area of interest. Nevertheless there are still some limitations in their use, particularly related to the mechanical loads that these materials can withstand. Together with the development of novel bioceramic formulations, the aim of this research was the fabrication and characterisation of customised ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications using 3D powder printing technology. Two silicate-based glasses (NCL2 and NCL7) containing different elemental combinations: Al and Fe (to improve the mechanical properties), Cu and Zn (important for maintaining the bone matrix and density), and also Ca, Na, K, Mg and Mn (essential elements for all living organisms) were produced along with apatite wollastonite (AW) used as comparison material. Each formulation was processed to “green” parts using a ZPrinter® 310 Plus 3D printer. Subsequently the green bodies were sintered to obtain consolidated 3D porous structures. The scaffolds exhibited architecture and porosity (~ 35%) values comparable to those of natural bone as demonstrated by SEM and micro CT investigations. Interestingly, the in vitro biocompatibility assessed using MC3T3 cell line, indicated a biological positive response with a cell viability of ~ 70% after 7 days similarly to AW. Evidences of cell-material interaction were evaluated using confocal microscopy. The 3D printed silicate-based scaffolds exhibited suitable architecture and good mechanical and biological properties indicating their potential for bone reconstruction applications