A novel two-step conversion from DCPD-coated β-TCP to low crystallinity β-TCP porous scaffolds via combination between dry heating and hydrothermal methods: Effects on pre-osteoblast cell responses

This study presents a novel two-step process to fabricate low crystallinity (LC) β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) porous scaffolds and evaluates their implications for pre-osteoblast cell responses. The novelty of this study lies in the two-step conversion of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) -coated β-TCP porous scaffold into LC β-TCP porous scaffolds through a combination of dry heating and hydrothermal conditions at 200°C. The obtained LC β-TCP porous scaffolds were characterised using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR), porosity, and compressive strength analysis confirmed the successful fabrication of LC β-TCP scaffolds. Besides, in vitro tests using pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were conducted to investigate the cell responses toward LC β-TCP porous scaffolds. The results revealed that the LC β-TCP porous scaffolds were successfully fabricated by converting the DCPD-coated β-TCP into the dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) coated β-TCP, followed by a hydrothermal process in a 0.1 mol/L calcium chloride (CaCl₂) aqueous solution at 200°C for 24 hours to obtain LC of pure β-TCP scaffold. Moreover, in vitro cell study indicated that the cell density and proliferation surrounding the surface of the LC β-TCP porous scaffold were greater than DCPD-coated β-TCP porous scaffolds. The findings from this study are expected to significantly impact bioceramic technology by enhancing cell responses.