Antibacterial activity of Ag-incorporated zincosilicate zeolite scaffolds fabricated by additive manufacturing

Ag-incorporated zincosilicate zeolite scaffolds (Ag-3DPZS) for bone tissue engineering are successfully constructed via the extrusion 3D printer. In the printing process, the nano-fibrous attapulgites with suitable rheological properties and good bioactivities are utilized as inorganic binders, which can enhance the compressive strength and Young's modulus of Ag-3DPZS up to 8.38 MPa and 111 MPa, respectively, similar to the mechanical properties of human cancellous bone. Moreover, the obtained Ag-3DPZS possess excellent antibacterial properties and bioactivity, demonstrating that Ag-3DPZS can be applied as antimicrobial materials for bone substitutes.