Titanium–SiO2 nanocomposites and their scaffolds for dental applications

Abstract

There have been a number of attempts to modify the properties of titanium implants to improve osseointegration. These modifications include alterations of the chemistry and roughness of the surface of the implant. In this work, Ti–10 wt.% SiO2 nanocomposites and their scaffolds were synthesized using a combination of mechanical alloying and a “space-holder” sintering process. The phase and microstructure analysis was carried out using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and the properties were measured using hardness and corrosion testing equipment. An amorphous structure was obtained at 20 h of milling. The crystallization of the amorphous phase upon annealing led to the formation of a nanostructured Ti–10 wt.% SiO2 composite with a grain size of approximately 40 nm. The Vickers hardness of the Ti–10 wt.% SiO2 nanocomposites reached 670 HV0.2. The in vitro cytocompatibility of these materials was evaluated and compared with conventional microcrystalline titanium, where normal human osteoblast (NHOst) cells from Cambrex (CC-2538) were cultured. The morphology of the cell cultures obtained on the bulk Ti–10 wt.% SiO2 nanocomposite was similar to those obtained on the microcrystalline titanium. However, on the porous scaffold, the cells adhered to the insert that penetrated the porous structure with their entire surface, whereas on the polished surface, more spherical cells were observed with a smaller surface of adhesion. Porous Ti–10 wt.% SiO2 scaffolds have been developed in order to promote bone ingrowth and to induce prosthesis stabilization.