Objective  To investigate the preparation and properties of the novel silica (SiO₂)/hydroxyapatite (HAP) whiskers porous ceramics scaffold. Methods  The HAP whiskers were modified by the SiO₂ microspheres using the Stöber method. Three types of SiO₂/HAP whiskers were fabricated under different factors (for the No.1 samples, the content of tetraethoxysilane, stirring time, calcination temperature, and soaking time were 10 mL, 12 hours, 560℃, and 0.5 hours, respectively; and in the No.2 samples, those were 15 mL, 24 hours, 650℃, and 2 hours, respectively; while those in the No.3 samples were 20 mL, 48 hours, 750℃, and 4 hours, respectively). The phase and morphology of the self-made HAP whisker and 3 types of SiO₂/HAP whiskers were detected by the X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Taken the self-made HAP whisker and 3 types of SiO₂/HAP whiskers as raw materials, various porous ceramic materials were prepared using the mechanical foaming method combined with extrusion molding method, and the low-temperature heat treatment. The pore structure of porous ceramics was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Its porosity and pore size distribution were measured. And further the axial compressive strength was measured, and the biodegradability was detected by simulated body fluid. Cell counting kit 8 method was used to conduct cytotoxicity experiments on the extract of porous ceramics. Results  The SiO₂ microspheres modified HAP whiskers and its porous ceramic materials were prepared successfully, respectively. In the SiO₂/HAP whiskers, the amorphous SiO₂ microspheres with a diameter of 200 nm, uniform distribution and good adhesion were attached to the surface of the whiskers, and the number of microspheres was controllable. The apparent porosity of the porous ceramic scaffold was about 78%, and its pore structure was composed of neatly arranged longitudinal through-holes and a large number of micro/nano through-holes. Compared with HAP whisker porous ceramic, the axial compressive strength of the SiO₂/HAP whisker porous ceramics could reach 1.0 MPa, which increased the strength by nearly 4 times. Among them, the axial compressive strength of the No.2 SiO₂/HAP whisker porous ceramic was the highest. The SiO₂ microspheres attached to the surface of the whiskers could provide sites for the deposition of apatite. With the content of SiO₂ microspheres increased, the deposition rate of apatite accelerated. The cytotoxicity level of the prepared porous ceramics ranged from 0 to 1, without cytotoxicity. Conclusion  SiO₂/HAP whisker porous ceramics have good biological activity, high porosity, three-dimensional complex pore structure, good axial compressive strength, and no cytotoxicity, which make it a promising scaffold material for bone tissue engineering.

Citation： WAN Yuxi, CHEN Qiangguo, YAN Tingting. Preparation and properties of silica/hydroxyapatite whiskers porous ceramics scaffold. Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, 2023, 37(9): 1142-1148. doi: 10.7507/1002-1892.202304073 Copy