Development and characterization of cpfs synthesized titanium hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds fabricated by 3d printing for biomedical applications

Abstract

Titanium hydroxyapatite (Ti–HA) composites are well known as excellent biomaterials in bone tissue engineering and orthopedic implant applications due to their high mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and good bioactivity. In this research, titanium–hydroxyapatite was synthesized using the Continuous Plastic Flow Synthesis (CPFS) method [1.2], which facilitates the formation of a uniform particle distribution and improves the composite's crystallinity and homogeneity. Introduction of CPFS minimizes mixing, leads to controlled synthesis conditions, and provides a stable Ti–HA composite with a strengthened structure. After synthesis, the prepared Ti–HA composite was used to fabricate porous scaffolds via 3D printing. Moreover, 3D printing makes it possible to precisely control the scaffold geometry [3], pore size, and porosity of the developed scaffolds, which are crucial parameters for successful bone tissue regeneration. The prepared scaffolds showed a highly interconnected porous structure resembling the natural structures of cancellous bone, providing excellent cell attachment and proliferation, and transporting effective nutrition. Various characterization methods were utilized to analyze the structural and functional properties of the prepared constructs. The presence of crystalline phases of titanium and hydroxyapatite was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, which indicates that the composite has been synthesized successfully without undesirable impurity. Surface Morphology Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that the prepared scaffolds had a regular maintenance and highly porous structure, making tissue integration possible. The elemental composition of titanium, calcium, phosphorus and oxygen elements in the scaffold structure was confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Also, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of hydroxyapatite specific functional groups, which proved the successful introduction of HA into titanium matrix. Mechanical tests suggested that the Ti–HA scaffolds have acceptable compressive strength and structural stability, which are necessary to sustain bone regeneration while preserving a porous structure. Hydroxyapatite on the scaffold significantly improved its bioactivity and osteoconductivity, allowing for greater interaction with neighboring bone tissue.The results obtained demonstrate the potential of titanium–hydroxyapatite synthesized by CPFS and then manufactured to 3D printed scaffolds towards highly porous, mechanically stable, and biologically relevant structures for biomedical applications. This approach provides potential insights into Ti–HA scaffolds that could be useful in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This work supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through improvement of biomedical implant materials, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by enabling advanced manufacturing technologies and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) fostering resource-efficient sustainable material synthesis.