Designing and Manufacturing of Biocompatible Hydroxyapatite and Sodium Trisilicate Scaffolds by Ordinary Domestic Microwave Oven

Abstract

In this work, we present a versatile, rapid, and low-cost manufacturing technique to develop bioceramic scaffolds that could enhance bone tissue regeneration via microwave preparation using a domestic microwave oven. The scaffolds were prepared by combining hydroxyapatite and water glass (sodium trisilicate solution), foamed by using a microwave oven, and then characterized by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX), mechanical properties, infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and a density and stability test in water. Furthermore, in vitro tests were performed to verify the affinity of the scaffold for osteoclast cells. The morphology of the samples showed interconnected pores suitable for promoting tissue regeneration and vascularization, while specific mechanical properties were preserved. The physicochemical characterization and the in vitro tests presented promising results for bone regenerative applications. The scaffolds we obtained exhibited comparable properties to those fabricated using a laboratory microwave oven, including the ability to induce the formation of bone-like tissue in vitro.