Functionalization of 3D printed Ti6Al4V high-porous spinal implant surface with use of plasma electrolytic oxidation

Abstract

Highly-porous titanium implants manufactured using additive methods open new perspectives for reconstructive medicine. Ti6Al4V alloy is one of the most frequently used biomaterials in medicine. It has proven biocompatibility and methods of modifying it to improve functionality have been extensively investigated. However, the translation of the current state of knowledge to products manufactured using additive methods is not clear. Thecomplex architecture of scaffolds creates many challenges and limitations for surface modification, especially in internal parts of implants. The paper presents a developed surface modification using plasma electrolytic oxidation to improve the physicochemical properties of a spinal implant intended for the treatment of cervical discopathy. The properties of the produced surface layer were assessed based on SEM observations with EDS analysis, optical profilometry, XPS and XRD analysis, corrosion test and plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The proposed modifications had a positive impact on the corrosion resistance of implants, limited the penetration of metal ions into the environment imitating the tissue environment, and significantly influenced the surface topographies, which should constitute a better substrate for the adhesion and proliferation of bone cells.