Bioceramic-Starch Paste Design for Additive Manufacturing and Alternative Fabrication Methods Applied for Developing Biomedical Scaffolds

Additive manufacturing has gained considerable attention for building biomedical scaffolds due to its presumed ability to provide porous structures adequate for inflow and ingrowth of blood and tissues that facilitate bone regeneration. Various paste designs, consisting of mixtures of polymers with various ceramic or glass particles were proposed as additive manufacturing inks. However, proper paste design is still an open research subject as the link between the paste performance and various properties such as solids loading ability, homogenization, jellification, or particle morphology needs further characterization. This chapter explores the possibilities of using starch gels in combination with various bioceramics for producing biomedical scaffolds for bone regeneration using either additive manufacturing methods or more cost-effective alternative methods. Next, an integrated technological solution for manufacturing biomimetic implants for filling large bone defects is presented in the chapter, as a practical alternative to the current additive manufacturing attempts. This solution aims to solve the challenges related to tissue vascularization and mechanical stability associated with bone scaffolds by creatively using low-cost, natural, and biocompatible sintering additives such as starch. Various three-dimensional test samples prepared with bioceramics and starch gels by applying this technology are evaluated, with good perspectives for clinical application.