Gel casting of β-TCP scaffolds: Effects of foaming time and polymer coating

Abstract

Three-dimensional interconnected porous structure and ideal mechanical strength are essential for biological scaffold for bone tissue engineering application. However, ceramic scaffold is very brittle and exhibit low strength. The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of foaming time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of porous beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffold. The effect of polymer coating on the β-TCP scaffold was also investigated. Porous β-TCP scaffolds were fabricated using the gel casting method by varying the foaming time (60s and 90s) followed by sintering at 1100°C. Porous β-TCP scaffold was coated with polymer coating by using dipping method. Results indicate that increased foaming time results in higher porosity and lower compression strength. It is observed that polymer coating improved around 116% compressive strength in comparison to that of uncoated scaffold. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) confirm the presence of gelatin on scaffold walls. Based on the morphology observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), it is found that the scaffold fabricated by gel casting method showed open pores characteristic.