Fabrication and Characterization of Porous Ta/CHS/n-HA Composite Scaffolds Based on SLM Technology

Abstract Fabrication of porous metallic implants using additive manufacturing technology are expected to be an ideal treatment for substantial segmental bone defects. Gyroid porous tantalum (Ta) was produced by selective laser melting (SLM). Chitosan (CHS) and nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) composite sponges were prepared in the pores of porous Ta by freeze-drying. The porous Ta possesses a pore diameter of about 359 μm, porosity of 65.8%, elastic modulus of 1.69 GPa, and compressive strength of 68.59 MPa, which make it suitable for bearing loads. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the pores of porous Ta were filled with CHS/n-HA composite sponge with a pore diameter of 20–80 μm and n-HA particles embedded on the pore wall of the CHS sponge. The composite sponge could provide an ideal affinity microenvironment for cell adhesion and growth, which could regulate cellular behaviors and promote new bone regeneration. Porous Ta/CHS/n-HA composite scaffolds fabricated by SLM exhibited the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of porous Ta, as well as the bioactivity and osteoinductivity of organic–inorganic composite biomaterials. These results indicate that porous Ta/CHS/n-HA composite scaffolds fabricated by SLM could serve as an ideal substitute for bone defect repair.