Post-process composition and biological responses of laser sintered PMMA and β-TCP composites

PMMA/β-TCP composites were evaluated to be suitable for laser sintering earlier, but the possible after effects are not known yet. Effects of sintering on the biological nature and the influences of critical compositions and process parameters have not been investigated so far. The current research attempts this, first identifying experimentally the most suitable laser process conditions for the specific grades of PMMA and β-TCP and then subjecting single layer sintered samples to FTIR analysis and in vitro studies involving MTT and ALP assays, alizarin red S tests, and real-time PCR analyses. While the laser interactions are not detrimental, the biological responses are generally positive proving the selective laser sintering of PMMA/β-TCP composites to be a potential approach for specific medical applications.