Abstract: Objective: A new scaffold material (antler powder/PVA scaffold) was constructed, and compared with n-HA/PVA scaffold. By testing its physicochemical and biological properties, its feasibility as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering was evaluated and explored. Methods: The antler powder/PVA scaffolds and n-HA/PVA scaffolds were respectively prepared by 3D printing technology to test the porosity, pore size, water absorption, compressive mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. Results: There was no difference in the porosity of two groups, and the pore sizes of antler powder/PVA scaffold were larger than those of n-HA/PVA scaffolds (P=0.004). At different time points, the water absorption of the n-HA/PVA scaffolds was greater than that of the antler powder/PVA scaffolds. However, the antler powder/PVA scaffolds had longer duration of water absorption. The compression resistance of two groups was not different (P=0.243). However, the toughness of antler power/PVA scaffold was better than that of n-HA/PVA scaffolds, and the cell compatibility was the same. Conclusion: Antler powder/PVA scaffolds have good mechanical properties and cell compatibilities, which can be used as a new direction to study the xenogeneic scaffolds.

Key words: 3D printing, Antler powder, Nano-hydroxyapatite, Polyvinyl alcohol, Scaffold material