Osteoblast cell response to beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds with controlled architecture in flow perfusion culture system.

Porous beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) scaffolds with controlled architecture and improved mechanical properties were fabricated by combining the gel-casting and rapid prototyping techniques. The pore morphology, size, and distribution of the beta-TCP scaffolds were characterized using a scanning electron microscope. The porosity of the resulting scaffolds with pore size range from 300 to 500 microm was 46%. The average compressive strength was 16.1 MPa. X-ray diffraction was used to determine the crystal structure and chemical composition of scaffolds. The result indicated that the sintering process has not changed the composition of beta-TCP. Flow perfusion culture system was developed in our lab to improve mass transfer for seeded cells. For scaffold/cell constructs cultured under flow perfusion for 4, 8, and 16 days, there was greater scaffold cellularity and alkaline phosphatase activity compared with static culture condition. These results indicated that flow perfusion culture system had evident effects on osteoblast viability and functions in vitro.