Evaluation and Biocompatibility of a New Type of Scaffold for Tissue Growth Based on Calcium Phosphate Cement

Abstract

Growth of cells in three-dimensional porous scaffolds has gaining importance in the field of tissue engineering. The scaffolds guide cellular growth, synthesize extra-cellular matrix and other biological molecules, and make the formation of tissues and functional organs easier. The aim of this work was to use α-TCP (α-tricalcium phosphate) cement in order to obtain such scaffolds, with the aid of paraffin spheres as pores generators. These spheres were produced by suspension in an aqueous solution of polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and sodium sulphate (Na2SO4). The porosity of the scaffolds produced with paraffin spheres was analyzed and compared to the literature, and the study of scaffolds permeability using Forchenheimer equation allowed the analysis of pores interconnectivity. In vitro tests showed the behavior of scaffolds in solutions of SBF (Simulated Body Fluid), and viability and cell proliferation were also evaluated. Use of paraffin spheres showed to be appropriate to the formation of pores suitable size to allow cellular growth.

Silver Nanoparticles and PDMS Hybrid Nanostructure for Medical Applications

“…Material technologies are critically important for tissue engineering in designing scaffolds or implants, and control of certain properties, such as porosity and pore size distribution, key factors on medical applications [6,7]. Cell adhesion and growth on a scaffold or implant is controlled by the size and structure of the pore matrix [8,9].…”