Rapid preparation of novel MgNH4PO4·H2O porous scaffolds via 3D-printing combined with a hydrothermal-process-assisted post treatment

Novel dittmarite (MgNH4PO4·H2O) 3D porous scaffolds were firstly fabricated via 3D-printing combined with a hydrothermal-process-assisted post treatment. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the phases, morphologies, and element compositions of the 3D porous structures. The hydrothermal process played the key role in the formation of dittmarite phase. The porosity, compressive strength, and in vitro degradation of the dittmarite scaffolds were studied in detail. In addition, the cytotoxicity on MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells and cell adhesion were evaluated and the results showed that the dittmarite porous scaffold possessed superior cytocompatibility and could support MC3T3-E1 cellular attachment. The research indicated that dittmarite porous scaffolds had a wide application prospect in bone tissue repair fields.