Coaxial micro-extrusion of a calcium phosphate ink with aqueous solvents improves printing stability, structure fidelity and mechanical properties

Micro-extrusion-based 3D printing of complex geometrical and porous calcium phosphate (CaP) can improve treatment bone defects through the production personalized substitutes. However, achieving post-printing shape stabilities for efficient fabrication application rapid hardening protocol are still challenging. In this work, coaxial a self-setting CaP cement with water ethanol mixtures aiming to increase ink yield stress upon extrusion stability fabricated structures was explored. Printing height overhang structure doubled when aqueous solvents were used 2 log stiffness achieved post-printing. A standard fast steam sterilization applied as step on printed (CPC) resulted in constructs 4 5 times higher compressive moduli comparison process absence solvent. This improved mechanical performance is likely due CPC setting, preventing cracks formation during process. Thus, micro-extrusion-based solvent enhances printability allows use widespread cycle standalone post-processing technique Coaxial water:ethanol increased structures. used, orders magnitude consisting applied. Four obtained hardened coaxially constructs. setting printing,