Study of cytotoxic activity of Ti\u201313Nb\u201313Zr medical alloy with different surface finishing techniques

Viktoria Hoppe,Patrycja Szymczyk-Ziółkowska,Bogdan Dybała,Małgorzata Rusińska,Dominik Poradowski,Grzegorz Ziółkowski,Maciej Janeczek

doi:10.1007/s10853-021-06430-y

Abstract

The characterization of materials surface is essential, as the initial in vivo response is highly dependent on surface properties. Surface topography is a key aspect that influences the response of cells to products resulting from interaction with the surface of a titanium alloy, including parameters such as adhesion, spread, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of cells. Various surface modifications are used to improve the interface properties between MC3T3 and NHDF cells and the Ti–13Nb–13Zr-based surface. Among the techniques discussed in this paper, scanning electron microscopy, laser confocal scanning microscopy, and computed tomography are adequate to investigate materials topography at different scale levels. Chemical characterization of the outer layers of Ti–13Nb–13Zr samples was performed with X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. Studies have shown that the surfaces resulting from the treatment enabling the formation of titanium oxide and zirconium oxide show the lowest cytotoxicity. Implants made from the new generation of titanium alloy, not containing toxic elements, with the use of surface modification could be an essential innovation in implantology.

Highlights

For new medical materials introduced to the market, it is necessary to verify their properties and impact on living organisms
This paper presents new results obtained for the second-generation Ti– 13Nb–13Zr treated with five different surface treatment techniques with regard to the biological reactions
Comparing the cell behavior of the two types of assays, the results indicate that surface modification of Ti–13Nb–13Zr does not show activity causing a strong reduction of cell viability

Summary

Introduction

For new medical materials introduced to the market, it is necessary to verify their properties and impact on living organisms. The second generation of titanium alloys is becoming more popular for implant fabrication. One of the representatives of this group was developed by Davidson and Kovacs [1], the Ti– 13Nb–13Zr B)-alloy), which represents all outstanding properties of titanium and its classic alloys but not containing aluminum, which is cytotoxic, and promises safer biomedical applications. Different aspects need to be taken into account while assessing the suitability of Ti–13Nb–13Zr for implant fabrication. The research presented in this article focuses on analyzing the impact of surface modifications for the novel material, on surface characterization and its cytotoxic response

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion