Comparison of surface characteristics and cytocompatibility of Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated with select laser melting and electron beam melting

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the surface characteristics and cytocompatibility of Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated using select laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM) technique. Methods: Ti-6Al-4V alloy specimens were fabricated with SLM and EBM. A wrought form of Ti-6Al-4V alloy was used as a control. Its properties were evaluated using component analysis, contact angle test, surface roughness, surface topography, cell ultrastructure, cell attachment and proliferation observation, metal ion precipitation examination. Results: The roughness of SLM and EBM specimens was suitable for cell attachment but not the best. The character of SLM and EBM specimens was hydrophobic (>65°). The surface topography of EBM and SLM specimens were similar, but were not the best type for cell attachment. The components of Ti-alloy oxide film were detected in all the specimens. The content of Ti, Al, V ions of EBM, SLM and wrought specimens were very low and did not affect the cell attachment and proliferation. The ultrastructure of cell was normal, and the cytomembrane was intact. The number of cells was similar to each other among the three kinds of specimens and increased obviously with the culture time. Conclusions: The results of the study suggested that EBM and SLM Ti-6Al-4V specimens possessed good surface characteristics. However, the surface modification are needed further.