Porous Ti3SiC2 ceramics with improved osteogenic functions via biomineralization as load-bearing bone implants.

• Porous Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffolds with a porosity of 62.9 % exhibit superior compressive strength ∼68.12 MPa. • The apatite mineralization of Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffolds induces polarization of RAW264.7 cells from M1 to M2 phenotype, and promotes the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. • The osteointegration and osteogenic functions of Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffolds can be improved via in-situ biomineralization after implantation. • Porous Ti 3 SiC 2 ceramics with superior mechanical strength and biological functions are likely used as bone implants for load or minor-load bearing conditions. Ti 3 SiC 2 ceramics exhibit excellent mechanical properties and good biocompatibility, rendering them promising bone substitutes for load-bearing conditions. However, the bone integration and osteogenic ability of Ti 3 SiC 2 ceramics remain unclear. Herein, porous Ti 3 SiC 2 ceramics were prepared and systematically investigated as bone scaffolds. The Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffolds with a porosity of 62.9 % ± 2.5 % showed high compressive strength ∼68.12 ± 4.33 MPa. Silicon hydroxyl groups formed on the surface of Ti 3 SiC 2 after soaking in simulated body fluid, which played a critical role in the apatite mineralization of the scaffolds. Biomineralization of Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffolds was found when implanted subcutaneously in the rat dorsum for 2 weeks, demonstrating good osteogenesis ability. The apatite mineralization of the Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffold facilitated the polarization of RAW264.7 cells from M1 to M2 phenotype, which also promoted the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. The porous Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffolds improved osteointegration and bone regeneration after implantation in rabbit femoral defects. Impressively, the number of the newly formed trabeculae in the Ti 3 SiC 2 group was three times of the control group after implantation for 8 weeks, showing excellent bone defect repair. This work demonstrates that Ti 3 SiC 2 implants with improved biological functions likely via in-situ biomineralization are promising candidates for bone regeneration. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]