Fabrication of 3D printed hydroxyapatite/polymeric bone scaffold

ABSTRACT

Reconstruction in cases of osteoporosis or accidents often requires the use of synthetic bones or scaffolds, with hydroxyapatite standing out as a preferred material due to its biocompatibility. This study focuses on the production and characterization of hydroxyapatite-coated 3D-printed bone scaffolds. The 3D-printed structures were fabricated by blending hydroxyapatite powder, synthesized through the solution combustion technique, with a liquid photopolymer, followed by exposure to UV irradiation. The resulting hydroxyapatite/photopolymer scaffolds were characterized by a uniform distribution of fine hydroxyapatite powder on the surface. Subsequently, these scaffolds underwent coating with a hydroxyapatite slurry, experimenting with various coating and sintering conditions. Despite the decomposition of the photopolymer during the sintering process, the coated scaffold displayed an increased thickness of the infill line within the pattern, resulting in reduced void size and enhanced compressive strength. Weibull analysis of the compressive strength indicated a high likelihood of survival at 4 MPa, falling within the acceptable range for cancellous bone strength. This comprehensive study showcased the potential of hydroxyapatite-coated 3D-printed bone scaffolds with a favorable microstructure and mechanical strength, making them promising for applications in bone reconstruction.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• 3D printing
• bone scaffold
• hydroxyapatite
• stereolithography

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to extend our appreciation to Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute (KURDI, grant no. FF(KU) 51.67) for financial support. This work was also financially supported by the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (Contract no. C10F630034). Equipment support was provided by the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University. The authors thank Ms. Boossayamas Dachbumroong, Ms. Jularpar Sunttiprapar, Mr. Anon Noochanong for the valuable discussions and assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Oratai Jongprateep

Oratai Jongprateep holds a B.S. and M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Columbia University (2000, 2002) and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Rolla (2006). After completing her Ph.D., she worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the Electronic Materials Applied Research Center, University of Missouri-Rolla. Since 2007, she has been with Kasetsart University, where she progressed from assistant professor (2013) to associate professor (2018) in the Department of Materials Engineering. She has been an executive committee member of The Materials Research Society of Thailand since 2016. Oratai’s research focuses on advanced techniques in ceramic processing, electrochemical sensors, photocatalysts, construction materials, biomaterials, high-temperature superconductors, dielectric materials, and rapid prototyping.

Nuttapalin Lertapiwong

Nuttapalin Lertapiwong, born in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2001, earned her high school diploma from Nawaminthrachinuthit Triamudomsuksanomklao School in 2020. Currently, she is a senior student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering at the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University. Her keen interest in ceramics processing and the enhancement of material properties shapes the course of her educational journey.

Piraya Chanyapoon

Piraya Chanyapoon completed her high school education at Chitralada School in 2020. She is presently a senior student at the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University. Her enthusiasm for enhancing material properties in technological contexts defines her educational journey.

Thura Lin Htet

Thura Lin Htet earned his bachelor’s degree with Honors in Physics from the University of Yangon, Myanmar, in 2019. Following his undergraduate studies, he secured a scholarship as a visiting student at the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, China. Awarded a scholarship from the Faculty of Engineering, he is enrolling in a master’s degree program in Materials Engineering at Kasetsart University, with a specialization in ceramics. Throughout his academic journey, Thura Lin Htet has actively engaged in various academic activities, including the NAIST-DMS internship program, innovation competitions, and international conferences. His academic focus centers on the fabrication of devices, and he looks forward to pursuing his academic future in this field.

Manasbodin Asavaarunotai

Manasbodin Asava-arunotai, born in Bangkok in 1998, received his high school diploma from Triam udom suksa School in 2016. He graduated with a B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from Kasetsart University, Thailand, in 2020. Currently, he holds a scholarship supported by TAIST Tokyo Tech for the Sustainable Energy and Resources Engineering (SERE) program to pursue his master’s degree at the Department of Materials Engineering, Kasetsart University. His research focuses on wastewater treatment, photocatalysis, and 3D printing.

Ampika Bansiddhi

Ampika Bansiddhi is an Assistant Professor and Head of Materials Innovation Center in the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kasetsart University, Thailand. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree with first-class honors in Industrial Engineering from Kasetsart University. Dr. Bansiddhi earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University and Northwestern University, USA, respectively. Her research expertise spans the processing of novel materials, mechanical material properties and their characterization techniques.

Gasidit Panomsuwan

Gasidit Panomsuwan is an assistant professor in the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Thailand. He holds a B.S. degree in Physics and an M.S. degree in Polymer Science, both earned from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. He obtained a D.Eng. in Materials, Physics, and Energy Engineering from Nagoya University, Japan. His research areas include carbon-based materials, nanoparticle synthesis, liquid plasma process, and materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage.

Benjaporn Inseemeesak

Benjaporn Inseemeesak completed her high school education at Watraikhing Wittaya School in 2004. She holds a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering and M.S. degree in Materials Engineering from Kasetsart University, Thailand. Currently working in the current position of Administrative and Finance Manager for the Sync Innovation Co., LTd.

Amornrat Lertworasirikul

Amornrat Lertworasirikul is an assistant professor specializing in polymer at the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Thailand. Her academic background includes a B.S. in Materials Science and an M.S. in Polymer Science, both obtained from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. She earned her D.Eng. in Biotechnology and Life Sciences at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan. Her expertise lies in the areas of chemical modification, characterization, and processing of bio-based polymers, biomaterials, and functional polymers.