Cell response to a newly developed Ti-10Ta-10Nb alloy and its sputtered nanoscale coating

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The success of titanium implants is due to osseointegration or the direct contact of the implant surface and bone without a fibrous connective tissue interface. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the osteoblast precursor response to titanium - 10 tantalum - 10 niobium (Ti-Ta-Nb) alloy and its sputtered coating. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ti-Ta-Nb coatings were sputtered onto the Ti-Ta-Nb disks. Ti6-Al-4V alloy disks were used as controls. An osteoblast precursor cell line, were used to evaluate the cell responses to the 3 groups. Cell attachment was measured using coulter counter and the cell morphology during attachment period was observed using fluorescent microscopy. Cell culture was performed at 4, 8, 12 and 16 days. RESULTS: The sputtered Ti-Ta-Nb coatings consisted of dense nanoscale grains in the range of 30 to 100 nm with alpha-Ti crystal structure. The Ti-Ta-Nb disks and its sputtered nanoscale coatings exhibited greater hydrophilicity and rougher surfaces compared to the Ti-6Al-4V disks. The sputtered nanoscale Ti-Ta-Nb coatings exhibited significantly greater cell attachment compared to Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-Ta-Nb disks. Nanoscale Ti-Ta-Nb coatings exhibited significantly greater ALP specific activity and total protein production compared to the other 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that nanoscale Ti-Ta-Nb coatings enhance cell adhesion. In addition, Ti-Ta-Nb alloy and its nanoscale coatings enhanced osteoblast differentiation, but did not support osteoblast precursor proliferation compared to Ti-6Al-4V. These results indicate that the new developed Ti-Ta-Nb alloy and its nanoscale Ti-Ta-Nb coatings may be useful as an implant material.

The evaluation of cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of Ti-Ta-Nb-base alloy / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Ti-alloy has been used widely since it was produced in the United States in 1947 because it has high biocompatibility and anticorrosive characteristics. PURPOSE: The pure titanium, however, was used limitedly due to insufficient mechanical charateristics and difficult manufacturing process. Our previous study was focused on the development of a new titanium alloy. In the previous study we found that the Ti-Ta-Nb alloy had better mechanical characteristics and similar anticorrosive characteristics to Ti-6Al-4V. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, the cytotoxicity of the Ti-Ta-Nb alloy was evaluated by MTT assay using MSCs(Mesenchaimal stem cells) and L929 cells(fibroblast cell line). The biocompatibility of the Ti-Ta-Nb alloy was performed by inserting the alloy into the femur of the rabbits and observing the radiological and histological changes surrounding the alloy implant. RESULTS: 1. In the cytotoxicity test using MSCs, the 60% survival rate was observed in pure titanium, 84% in Ti-6Al-4V alloy, and 95% in Ti-10Ta-10Nb alloy. 2. In the animal study, the serial follow-up of the radiographs showed no separation or migration revealing gradual bone ingrowth surrounding the implants. Similar radiographic results were obtained among three implant groups: pure titanium, Ti-6Al-4V alloy and Ti-10Ta-10Nb alloy. 3. In the histologic examination of the bone block containing the implants. the bone ingrowth was prominent around the implants with the lapse of time. There was no signs of any tissue rejection, degeneration, or inflammation. Active bone ingrowth was observed around the implants. In the comparison of the three groups, the rate of bone ingrowth was better in the Ti-10Ta-10Nb alloy group than those in pure titanium group or Ti-6Al-4V alloy group. In conclusion, Ti-10Ta-10Nb alloy revealed better biocompatibility in survival rate of the cells and bone ingrowth around the implants. Therefore we believe a newly developed Ti-10Ta-10Nb alloy can replace currently used Ti-6Al-4V alloy to increase biocompatibility and to decrease side effects. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Ti-10Ta-10Nb alloy revealed better biocompatibility in survival rate of the cells and bone ingrowth around the implants. Therefore we believe a newly developed Ti-10Ta-10Nb alloy can replace currently used Ti-6Al-4V alloy to increase biocompatibility and to decrease side effects.