| abstract |
The present invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional macroporous filament construct comprising interconnected microporous filaments showing a suitable surface roughness and microporosity. The method comprises the steps of: a) preparing a suspension comprising particles of a predetermined material, a liquid solvent, one or more binders and optionally one or more dispersants, b) depositing said suspension in the form of filaments in a predetermined three-dimensional pattern, preferably in a non-solvent environment, thereby creating a three-dimensional filament-based porous structure, c) inducing phase inversion, whereby said filaments are transformed from a liquid to a solid state, by exposing said filaments during the deposition of the filaments with a non-solvent vapour and to a liquid non-solvent, d) thermally treating the structure of step d) by calcining and sintering said structure. The invention further provides a three-dimensional macroporous filament construct comprising interconnected microporous filaments showing a specific surface roughness and microporosity. The invention also relates to various uses of the construct, including its use for the manufacture of a biomedical product, such as a synthetic bone implant or bone graft. |