Determination of process parameters and synthesis of scaffolds for a Wollastonite (CaSiO3)

Abstract

As human life expectancy increases and degenerative bone diseases become more common, especially in older people. The development of synthetic biomaterials for bone repair and regeneration is becoming increasingly important. To solve such problems, different types of materials, such as calcium silicates, have been studied as possible alternatives to repair and replace hard tissues. Recent studies have shown that some calcium silicate ceramics, such as wollastonite (CaSiO3), have excellent biocompatibility, bioactivity, and low toxicity. Therefore, CaSiO3 ceramics are promising candidates for applications in regenerative medicine because calcium silicates can also be used as dental cement formers. These cement are formed by dissolving a calcium silicate in a phosphate solution, precipitating hydroxyapatite, and a vitreous silicate. It is known that after being injected, the cement must be able to maintain its shape and withstand mechanical stress during this period. Therefore, an adequate setting time is essential for success during a surgical procedure, as well as obtaining a material with sufficient porosity for biological absorption. Studies show that sodium alginate, as well as carboxymethylcellulose, improves both the viscosity and the mechanical properties of this material, without modifying the chemical reactions related to the composition of the hydrogel based on ± wollastonite. Therefore, this work aims to study the parameters for the synthesis of ± wollastonite, and the synthesis and obtaining of hydrogels based on Alginate and Carboxymethylcellulose for 3D printing. Wollastonite powder will be produced using the sol-gel methodology. The hydrogel will be obtained from the mixture of CMC 3%(m/v) and the powder of ± wollastonite 1% (m/v). The resulting material will be evaluated for morphology using scanning electron microscopy and properties such as setting time, injectability, and mechanical compressive strength of the cement obtained.(AU)