Fabrication of interconnected strontium-containing magnesium phosphate bioceramic scaffolds based on free microspheres accumulation

Abstract In this study, for the first time strontium-containing magnesium phosphate bioceramic (SMPB) scaffolds were prepared by sintering the randomly accumulated Mg 3 (PO 4 ) 2 /Mg 2 Sr(PO 4 ) 2 hybrid microspheres (diameter: 600-900 μm) at temperatures (≥1165 °C) allowing for sufficient liquid formation. The results indicated that the adjacent microspheres in the scaffolds were bonded to each other. Interconnected macropores were formed among the microspheres of the scaffolds, and plentiful micropores were present in the interior of microspheres. The interconnected macropore size, porosity and compressive strength could be modulated by altering the sintering temperature. This work provides a novel approach to prepare interconnected bioceramic scaffolds for the treatment of bone defects.