Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 45.2.
Schematic diagram of a commercial SLS machine.
44
Theoretically, any material that can be processed into the pow-
derformandsinteredwithhighheatcanbeusedintheSLSprocess.
Therefore, investigations have been made by various groups to
use biopolymers (both biodegradable and non-biodegradable poly-
mers), ceramics, and composites in producing solid objects via SLS
as bone graft substitutes and tissue engineering scaffolds. Rimell
et al.
reported the application of a simplified SLS apparatus to
sinter ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.
45
Other powdered
non-biodegradable polymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) have also been sintered via
SLS.
46
,
47
A scaffold made of a bioinert polymer (biodegradable or non-
biodegradable) is not adequate for promoting bone tissue regen-
eration. Therefore, composite scaffolds based on non-degradable
polymersandhydroxyapatite(HA),suchasHA/PEEKandHA/HDPE,
were constructed via SLS for potential bone tissue repair.
48
-
50
However, for bone tissue engineering, biodegradable materials are
required in scaffold fabrication. Therefore, many researchers con-
ducted research on composite scaffolds based on biodegradable
polymers. In general, particulate HA is incorporated into composite
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