Abstract
Nano-engineered implants are a promising orthopedic implant modification enhancing bioactivity and integration. Despite the lack of destruction of an oxide layer confirmed in ex vivo and in vivo implantation, the testing of a microrupture of an anodic layer initiating immune-inflammatory reaction is still underexplored. The aim of this work was to form the compact and nanotubular oxide layer on the Ti6Al4V ELI transpedicular screws and electrochemical detection of layer microrupture after implantation ex vivo by the Magerl technique using scanning electron microscopy and highly sensitive electrochemical methods. For the first time, the obtained results showed the ability to form the homogenous nanotubular layer on an Ti6Al4V ELI screw, both in α and β-phases, with favorable morphology, i.e., 35 ÷ 50 ± 5 nm diameter, 1500 ± 100 nm height. In contrast to previous studies, microrupture and degradation of both form layers were observed using ultrasensitive electrochemical methods. Mechanical stability and corrosion protection of nanotubular layer were significantly better when compared to compact oxide layer and bare Ti6Al4V ELI.
Highlights
The Ti6Al4V ELI (Grade 23) alloy is the most commonly used biomaterial for dental and orthopedic implants, and its advantages include good mechanical properties, machinability, biocompatibility, and excellent fatigue resistance [1]
As it can be seen, the presence of oxygen was observed only for an anodized layer, and the weight percentage correlates with the length of the oxide layer, i.e., is higher for nanotubular layer (~1500 nm) than compact layer (~200 nm)
For a nanotubular oxide layer formed on the Ti6Al4V ELI screw, the division into an α-phase rich in aluminum and β-phase rich in vanadium was observed
Summary
The Ti6Al4V ELI (Grade 23) alloy is the most commonly used biomaterial for dental and orthopedic implants, and its advantages include good mechanical properties, machinability, biocompatibility, and excellent fatigue resistance [1]. The major concern of using this alloy in clinics is the presence of infiltrated aluminum and vanadium ions in its chemistry, which can potentially increase the expressions of pro-inflammatory factors and cause osteolysis, exhibiting a toxic effect in the body. Surface treatment methods are very important in forming physicochemical protection and biocompatibility of titanium alloys. To improve in vivo osteointegration, the Ti6Al4V ELI is subjected to surface treatments, such as nitriding, electropolishing, and electrochemical oxidation. The major advantages of the anodizing process are ability to control the fine-tuning of oxide film thickness, feature size, topography, and chemistry, as well as its simplicity, low-cost, ease of implementation, and scalability at the industrial level [6]
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