Direct writing of porous tissue scaffolds based on Vaseline-doped hydroxyapatite inks

摘要

A novel type of 40 vol.% hydroxyapatite (HAp), Ca-10(PO4)(6) (OH)(2), suspension doped with Vaseline was developed, and porous three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds were fabricated by using a direct ink writing (DIW) method. The preparation of the HAp inks and the principles of the DIW technique were investigated. The microporosity of the scaffold wall increased after introducing the Vaseline, whereas macroporosity can be produced by varying the DIW technique. The micromorphology test results show that the samples sintered at 1150 degrees C for 2 h formed ceramics with a set amount of pores, which benefit cell growth by providing more locations for cells to attach and proliferate. Under a microscope, the proliferations of human liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2) cells can be observed on the 3D HAp scaffolds. The DIW method has the advantages of a rapid process, ease of design and high precision control, potentially inspiring the design and application of biomaterials and scaffolds.