Characterization of SPS scaffolds. The pH value (A), the accumulative release profiles of Ca (B), Si (C) and Sr (D) in DMEM. DMEM is a kind of basic cell culture medium. The pH value of DMEM after soaking TCP and SPS scaffolds was close to the original pH value of DMEM. The original pH value of DMEM is ~8.2. The accumulative released quantity of Ca, Si and Sr from SPS scaffolds showed a steady rise. The accumulative release rate of Ca in TCP and SPS scaffolds was 0.55% and 0.00%, respectively. The accumulative release rate of Si and Sr in SPS scaffolds was 0.61% and 0.11% respectively, while there was no Si and Sr released from TCP scaffolds. Repeat number: n=3.