Modeling of calcium phosphate based on an LCD 3D printer using brushite and calcium hydroxide

Abstract There is demand for the development of highly functional and flexible bone fillers to treat bone defects. This research aimed to fabricate calcium phosphate implants with a flexible porous design and sufficient compressive stress using a three-dimensional 3D printer. A mixed slurry of dicalcium phosphate, calcium hydroxide, photopolymerized resin, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) was prepared using a planetary ball mill. The slurry was formed into a porous model using a stereolithography-type 3D printer. Upon sintering, the resin and PEG evaporated and/or combusted, yielding a β- tricalcium phosphate (TCP) molding with porosity. This study proposes a novel method for freely molding calcium phosphate implants.