Effects of microwave sintering on the properties of porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds

Microwave sintering was used to process porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds fabricated by the extrusion deposition technique. The effects of microwave sintering on the microstructure, phase composition, degradation, compressive strength and biological properties of the scaffolds were investigated. After rapid sintering, scaffolds with controlled structure, high densification and fine grains were obtained. A significant increase in mechanical strength was observed relative to conventional sintering. The scaffolds (55-60% porosity) microwave sintered at 1200 degrees C for 30 min exhibited the highest average compressive strength (45.57 MPa). The degradation was determined by immersing the scaffolds in physiological saline and monitoring the Ca2+ concentration. The results indicated that the microwave-sintered scaffolds possessed higher solubility than conventionally sintered scaffolds, as it released more Ca2+ at the same temperature. Furthermore, an in vitro MC3T3-E1 cell culturing study showed significant cell adhesion, distribution, and proliferation in the microwave-sintered scaffolds. These results confirm that microwave sintering has a positive effect on the properties of porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.