Preparation and properties of T-ZnO_(w) enhanced BCP scaffolds with double-layer structure by digital light processing

Bone scaffolds require both good bioactivity and mechanical properties to keep shape and promote bone repair.In this work,T-ZnO_(w) enhanced biphasic calcium phosphate(BCP)scaffolds with triply periodic minimal surface(TPMS)-based double-layer porous structure were fabricated by digital light processing(DLP)with high precision.Property of suspension was first discussed to obtain better printing quality.After sintering,T-ZnO_(w) reacts with b-tricalcium phosphate(β-TCP)to form Ca_(19)Zn_(2)(PO_(4))14,and inhibits the phase transition toα-TCP.With the content of T-ZnO_(w) increasing from 0 to 2 wt%,the flexural strength increases from 40.9 to 68.5 MPa because the four-needle whiskers can disperse stress,and have the effect of pulling out as well as fracture toughening.However,excessive whiskers will reduce the cure depth,and cause more printing defects,thus reducing the mechanical strength.Besides,T-ZnO_(w) accelerates the deposition of apatite,and the sample with 2 wt%T-ZnO_(w) shows the fastest mineralization rate.The good biocompatibility has been proved by cell proliferation test.Results confirmed that doping T-ZnO_(w) can improve the mechanical strength of BCP scaffolds,and keep good biological property,which provides a new strategy for better bone repair.