Polyethylene glycol diacrylate-based hydrogels filled with calcium phosphates (CaP, Ca/P < 1.5) were stereolithographically fabricated as three-dimensional permeable biocomposites for bone tissue regeneration, probed by several instrumental techniques (including scanning electron microscopy, infrared and UV-vis spectroscopy), and subjected to rheological/mechanical property analysis. As the CaP content increased from 0 to 10 wt%, Young's modulus and mechanical strength increased from 4 to 11 kPa and from 34 to 167 kPa, respectively. Moreover, the enhanced elastic properties and tuneable swelling behaviour of the fabricated composites made them well suited for bone defect filling.
Keywords: 3D printing; Bone regeneration; Calcium phosphate; Composite; Hydrogel.
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