Ti6Al4V Discs Research Articles

In vitro effects of macrophages on orthopaedic implant alloys and local release of metallic alloy components.

This study aimed to determine if macrophages can attach and directly affect the oxide layers of 316L stainless steel, titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V), and cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy (CoCrMo) by releasing components of these alloys. Murine peritoneal macrophages were cultured and placed on stainless steel, CoCrMo, and Ti6Al4V discs into a 96-well plate. Cells were activated with interferon gamma and lipopolysaccharide. Macrophages on stainless steel discs produced significantly more nitric oxide (NO) compared to their control counterparts after eight to ten days and remained elevated for the duration of the experiment. On stainless steel, both nonactivated and activated cell groups were shown to have a significant increase in metal ion release for Cr, Fe, and Ni (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.020 respectively) compared with medium only and showed macrophage-sized corrosive pits on the stainless steel surface. On titanium alloy discs there was a significant increase in aluminum (p < 0.001) among all groups compared with medium only. These results indicated that macrophages were able to attach to and affect the oxide surface of stainless steel and titanium alloy discs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7 Supple B):116-121.

Efficient Distortion Prediction of Additively Manufactured Parts Using Bayesian Model Transfer Between Material Systems

Abstract Distortion in laser-based additive manufacturing (LBAM) is a critical issue that adversely affects the geometric integrity of additively manufactured parts and generally exhibits a complicated dependence on the underlying material. The differences in properties between distinct materials prevent the immediate application of a distortion model learned for one material to another, which introduces the challenge in LBAM of learning a distortion model for a new material system given past experiments. Current methods for investigating the distortion of different material systems typically involve finite element analysis or a large number of experiments in an empirical study. However, these methods do not learn from previous experiments and can incur significant costs in terms of computation, time, or resources. We propose a Bayesian model transfer methodology that is both physics-based and data-driven to leverage past experiments on previously studied material systems for more efficient distortion modeling of new systems. This method transfers distortion models across distinct materials based on the statistical effect equivalence framework by formulating the differences between two materials as a lurking variable. Our method reduces the experimentation and effort needed for specifying distortion models for new material systems. We validate our methodology in a case study of distortion model transfer from Ti–6Al–4V disks to 316L stainless steel disks. This case study is the first instance of model transfer between material systems and illustrates the ability of the Bayesian model transfer methodology to address the issue of comprehensive distortion modeling across varying material systems in LBAM.

The biocompatibility of silver and nanohydroxyapatite coatings on titanium dental implants with human primary osteoblast cells.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are antimicrobial, with potential uses in medical implants, but Ag NPs alone can also be toxic to mammalian cells. This study aimed to enhance the biocompatibility of Ag NP-coated titanium dental implants with hydroxyapatite (HA) applied to the surface. Ti6Al4V discs were coated with Ag NPs, Ag NPs plus HA nanoparticles (Ag + nHA), or Ag NPs plus HA microparticles (Ag + mHA). The stability of coatings was explored and the biocompatibility with primary human osteoblasts over 7 days. Results showed that Ti6Al4V discs were successfully coated with silver and HA. The primary particle size of nHA and mHA were 23.90 ± 1.49 nm and 4.72 ± 0.38 μm respectively. Metal analysis showed that underlying silver coatings remain stable in DMEM culture media, but the presence of FBS in the media caused some initial (clinically beneficial) release of dissolved silver. With additions of HA, osteoblasts were adherent, had normal morphology, negligible lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leak, and showed alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Cell viability was around 70% throughout the Ag + nHA treatment. Overall, the implants coated with Ag + nHA maintained a higher degree of biocompatibility compared to those coated with Ag + mHA, or Ag NPs alone, suggesting the former has a benefit for clinical use.

Wear of Biopolymers under Reciprocating Sliding Conditions against Different Counterfaces

The objective of this study was to investigate the wear resistance of ultrahigh‐molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) against different counterfaces. Friction and wear studies were evaluated under dry reciprocating sliding conditions at room temperature. Ti6Al4V discs finished in polished, lapped, and ground conditions were reciprocated against polymer cylinders. In addition, abrasive wear studies were conducted using different abrasive grit sizes. The friction and wear properties of the two polyethylenes were strongly affected by the different counterfaces. XLPE showed important friction and wear sensitivity with the change of surface roughness of the Ti6Al4V disc, as well as with the change in abrasive grit size. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis of the worn disc surfaces and the polymer pins indicated the wear mechanisms affecting the polyethylenes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2356–2366, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers

Superficial properties of Ti6Al4V discs obtained by the additive and subtractive manufacturing method

Superficial properties of Ti6Al4V discs obtained by the additive and subtractive manufacturing method

Partially Melted Ti6Al4V Particles Increase Bacterial Adhesion and Inhibit Osteogenic Activity on 3D-printed Implants: An In Vitro Study.

A porous Ti6Al4V implant that is manufactured using selective laser melting (SLM) has broad potential applications in the field of orthopaedic implants. The pore structure of the SLM porous Ti6Al4V implant allows for cell migration and osteogenic differentiation, which is favorable for bone ingrowth and osseointegration. However, it is unclear whether the pore structure and partially melted Ti6Al4V particles on a SLM porous Ti6Al4V implant will increase bacterial adhesion and, perhaps, the risk of implant-related infection. (1) Is there more bacterial adhesion and colonization on SLM porous Ti6Al4V implants than on polished orthopaedic implants? (2) Do partially melted Ti6Al4V particles on SLM porous Ti6Al4V implants reduce human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) adhesion, viability, and activity? To determine bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, we incubated five different Ti6Al4V discs (polished, grit-blasted, plasma-sprayed, particle SLM porous, and nonparticle SLM porous discs) with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli. Bacterial coverage on the surface of the five different Ti6Al4V discs were evaluated based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images quantitatively. In addition, a spread-plate method was used to quantitatively evaluate the bacterial adhesion on those implants. The biofilm formation was stained with crystal violet and semi-quantitatively determined with a microplate reader. The morphology and adhesion of hBMSCs on the five Ti6Al4V discs were observed with SEM. The cell viability was quantitatively evaluated with a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. In addition, the osteogenic activity was determined in vitro with a quantitatively alkaline phosphatase activity assay and alizarin-red staining. For semiquantitative analysis, the alizarin-red stained mineralized nodules were dissolved and determined with a microplate reader. The polished discs had the lowest MRSA adhesion (8.3% ± 2.6%) compared with grit-blasted (19.1% ± 3.9%; p = 0.006), plasma-sprayed (38.5% ± 5.3%; p < 0.001), particle (23.1% ± 2.8%; p < 0.001), and nonparticle discs (15.7% ± 2.5%; p = 0.003). Additionally, when comparing the two SLM discs, we found that particle discs had higher bacterial coverage than nonparticle discs (23.1% ± 2.8% versus 15.7% ± 2.5%; p = 0.020). An E. coli analysis showed similar results, with the higher adhesion to particle SLM discs than to nonparticle discs (20.7% ± 4.2% versus 14.4% ± 3.6%; p = 0.011). In addition, on particle SLM porous discs, bacterial colonies were localized around the partially melted Ti6Al4V particles, based on SEM images. After a 7-day incubation period, the cell viability in the particle group (optical density value 0.72 ± 0.05) was lower than that in the nonparticle groups (optical density value: 0.87 ± 0.08; p = 0.003). Alkaline phosphatase activity, as a marker of osteogenic differentiation, was lower in the particle group than in the nonparticle group (1.32 ± 0.12 U/mL versus 1.58 ± 0.09 U/mL; p = 0.012). Higher bacterial adhesion was observed on SLM porous discs than on polished discs. The partially melted Ti6Al4V particles on SLM porous discs not only enhanced bacterial adhesion but also inhibited the osteogenic activity of hBMSCs. Postprocessing treatment is necessary to remove partially melted Ti6Al4V particles on an SLM implant before further use. Additional studies are needed to determine whether an SLM porous Ti6Al4V implant increases the risk of implant-related infection in vivo. As implants with porous Ti6Al4V made using SLM are being designed, our preliminary findings suggest that postprocessing treatment is needed to remove partially melted Ti6Al4V particles before further use. In addition, the depth of the porous structure of the SLM implant should not exceed the maximum depth of bone ingrowth because the host immune defense cannot prevent bacterial adhesion without integration.

Interface Damage in Titanium Dental Implant Due to Tribocorrosion: The Role of Mastication Frequencies

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fretting motions on the depassivation–repassivation processes occurring in Ti6Al4V alloy, at an in vitro simulated oral environment. Ti6Al4V discs were subjected to fretting–corrosion using a pin-on-disc tribometer. Specimens underwent 2000 motion cycles, with ± 500 µm of fretting stroke, and 8 N of load at frequencies of 1, 2, and 4 Hz. Surface characterization was performed using white-light interferometry and scanning electron microscope. Total mass loss (Kwc), and mass loss due to wear (Kw) and corrosion (Kc) were calculated. Lower potentials were reached at a frequency of 4 Hz. The coefficient of friction was statistically higher (p > 0.05) under 1 Hz (μ = 0.66) as compared to that of 2 and 4 Hz (μ = 0.53; μ = 0.51). Kwc was significantly higher (p < 0.001) on specimens subjected to a higher frequency of 4 Hz (16.1 μg), when compared to 1 and 2 Hz (0.30 μg; 1.24 μg). Under mechanical input, titanium’s oxide layer is constantly removed and reformed involving two processes called depassivation and repassivation. This study was conducted as a way to understand the influence of the mechanical stimuli alongside the oxide layer stability. The mechanical and chemical attacks encountered by Ti6Al4V vary regarding the fretting frequency applied. Lower fretting frequencies allow for the better chance of repassivation resulting in a protective barrier against degradation processes.

Structural and tribological properties of CrMoCN coatings with various Mo contents in artificial seawater

CrMoCN coatings with various Mo contents were prepared on Ti6Al4V disks and Si wafers using unbalanced magnetron sputtering at various Mo target currents, and their crystallite phases and bonding structures were characterized using XRD and TEM as well as XPS, respectively. The mechanical properties of coatings were measured by nano-indenter and the tribological properties of CrMoCN/SiC tribopairs in artificial seawater were tested by ball-to-disk tribo-tester. The results showed that Cr, Mo and N elements mainly existed in the form of (Cr, Mo)N solid solution crystals, while C element mainly existed as amorphous a-C and amorphous a-CNx. The hardness and elastic modulus of CrMoCN coatings increased first, and then decreased as Mo target current further increased to 3.0 A. The friction coefficients and wear rates of CrMoCN/SiC tribopairs decreased overall with the increase in the Mo target current due to the synergistic lubrication and wear-reducing effect of tribolayers (MoO3 and SiO2·2H2O). The abrasive and tribo-chemical wear were the wear mechanisms of CrMoCN/SiC tribopairs. CrMoCN-3.0 coating showed the best tribological properties in the artificial seawater.

Mechanical testing of antimicrobial biocomposite coating on metallic medical implants as drug delivery system.

Post-operative infection often occurs following orthopedic and dental implant placement requiring systemically administered antibiotics. However, this does not provide long-term protection. Over the last few decades, alternative methods involving slow drug delivery systems based on biodegradable poly-lactic acid and antibiotic loaded hydroxyapatite microspheres were developed to prevent post-operative infection. In this study, thermally anodised and untreated Ti6Al4V discs were coated with Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) containing Gentamicin (Gm) antibiotic-loaded coralline Hydroxyapatite (HAp) are investigated. Following chemical characterization, mechanical properties of the coated samples were measured using nanoindentation and scratch tests to determine the elastic modulus, hardness and bonding adhesion between film and substrate. It was found that PLA biocomposite multilayered films were around 400nm thick and the influence and effect of the substrate were clearly observed during the nanoindentation studies with heavier loads. Scratch tests of PLA coated samples conducted at ~160nm depth showed the minimal difference in the measured friction between Gm and non Gm containing films. It is also observed that the hardness values of PLA film coated anodised samples ranged from 0.45 to 1.9GPa (dependent on the applied loads) against untreated coated samples which ranged from 0.28 to 0.8GPa.

3D printed porous Ti6Al4V cage: Effects of additive angle on surface properties and biocompatibility; bone ingrowth in Beagle tibia model

Similar mechanical properties to native bone, excellent biocompatibility and osseointegration are key factors for interbody fusion cage. In the present study, porous Ti6Al4V cage with computer designed macro- and micro-architecture was reproduced by selective laser melting (SLM). Dense Ti6Al4V discs with six different angles were fabricated to investigate the effects of additive angle (inevitable in SLM manufacturing) on surface properties and biocompatibility. As angle increased, both surface roughness and hydrophobicity increased due to increases in the number of unmelted metallic particles. In the early stage of cell culture, more elongated MC3T3E1 cells were observed at higher additive angle, but cell adhesion and proliferation with different angle did not show statistically differences. Bullet-shaped Ti6Al4V cage with opened window, porosity of 70% and pore size of 600 μm revealed elastic modulus of 0.51 ± 0.04 GPa and ultimate compressive strength of 94.7 MPa at 0.29% strain, which is comparable with the commercialized polyetheretherketone cage. In vivo evaluation of Beagle tibia model through histological analysis showed that the cylindrical porous body with same porosity and pore size achieved similar bone ingrowth as commercialized porous tantalum implant at 4 and 12 weeks, indicating SLM fabricated porous Ti6Al4V cage holds great potential for spinal fusion.

Augmentation of DMLS Biomimetic Dental Implants with Weight-Bearing Strut to Balance of Biologic and Mechanical Demands: From Bench to Animal.

A mismatch of elastic modulus values could result in undesirable bone resorption around the dental implant. The objective of this study was to optimize direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)-manufactured Ti6Al4V dental implants’ design, minimize elastic mismatch, allow for maximal bone ingrowth, and improve long-term fixation of the implant. In this study, DMLS dental implants with different morphological characteristics were fabricated. Three-point bending, torsional, and stability tests were performed to compare the mechanical properties of different designs. Improvement of the weaker design was attempted by augmentation with a longitudinal 3D-printed strut. The osseointegrative properties were evaluated. The results showed that the increase in porosity decreased the mechanical properties, while augmentation with a longitudinal weight-bearing strut can improve mechanical strength. Maximal alkaline phosphatase gene expression of MG63 cells attained on 60% porosity Ti6Al4V discs. In vivo experiments showed good incorporation of bone into the porous scaffolds of the DMLS dental implant, resulting in a higher pull-out strength. In summary, we introduced a new design concept by augmenting the implant with a longitudinal weight-bearing strut to achieve the ideal combination of high strength and low elastic modulus; our results showed that there is a chance to reach the balance of both biologic and mechanical demands.

Quantification of Electronic Activity Inside Photo-Activated TiO2 Layers through a New Electrical Model Supported by Electrokinetic Data

Surface electrical characterization of metals and semiconductors with extensive geometry continues to be of interest. This work explores the electrical information that can be extracted from the electrokinetic (zeta) potential of metallic surfaces, and proposes an analytical model based on streaming potential/current data. In particular, our study focuses on the alloy Ti6Al4V, which is capable of modifying its surface electrical properties after excitation with ultraviolet irradiation due to the semiconductor properties of its TiO2 passivation layer. Evidence is presented for the first time of electronic activity inside the passivation layer following UV excitation. Charge displaced through sample (Q), electrons density (evol), surface charge density (σ) and current density (J) are extracted from the proposed model. The amount of displaced charge through Ti6Al4V disks not exposed to UV irradiation was similar to that displaced inside the thin TiO2 excited layer. Relative conductivity of the TiO2 excited layer versus Ti6Al4V showed a difference of up to five orders of magnitude between the two samples. The model is suitable for application to any metal and any excited semiconductor, thus increasing the usefulness of electrokinetic characterization based on streaming potential/current measurements.

Adhesion and Proliferation of Osteoblast-Like Cells on Porous Polyetherimide Scaffolds.

The purpose of this work was to investigate the porous polyetherimide scaffold (P-PEIs) as an alternative biopolymer for bone tissue engineering. The P-PEIs was fabricated via solvent casting and particulate leaching technique. The morphology, phase composition, roughness, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility of P-PEIs were evaluated and compared with polyetherimide (PEI) and Ti6Al4V disks. P-PEIs showed a biomimetic porous structure with a modulus of 78.95 ± 2.30 MPa. The water contact angle of P-PEIs was 75.4 ± 3.39°, which suggested that P-PEIs had a wettability surface. Moreover, P-PEIs provides a feasible environment for cell adhesion and proliferation. The relative cell adhesion capability and the cell morphology on P-PEIs were better than PEI and Ti6Al4V samples. Furthermore, the MC3T3-E1 cells on P-PEIs showed faster proliferation rate than other groups. It was revealed that the P-PEIs could be a potential material for the application of bone regeneration.

Adhesion and Scratch Testing of Antibiotic Loaded Poly-Lactic Acid Biocomposite Thin Films on Metallic Implants

Surface modifications have been progressively applied in order to improve the mechanical, biological and chemical properties of metallic dental and orthopedic implants. Therefore, the novel and multifunctional biocomposites coating matrices, which also consist of local and targeted drug delivery systems, are the most recent applications in the medical field. In this study, gentamicin antibiotic containing HAp bioceramics were utilized in a biodegradable poly-lactic acid thin film matrix which was applied to Ti6Al4V metallic implant surfaces. nanoindentation and scratch test methods were applied. It was observed that, bonding between coating and the substrate is strong enough to be used in implant applications. Additionally, it was observed that the hardness and young modulus values of uncoated Ti6Al4V disc which were 4.3 and 125.2 GPa, respectively. However, under the same testing conditions, it was also observed that the H values (0.6-0.8GPa) and the E (50-60 GPa) values of PLA-HAp biocomposite coated samples are slightly higher than the H values (0.4-0.6 GPa) and the E values (40-50GPa) of only PLA coated sample.

Pectin coatings on titanium alloy scaffolds produced by additive manufacturing: Promotion of human bone marrow stromal cell proliferation

Ti6Al4V is a popular biomaterial for load-bearing implants for bone contact, which can be fabricated by additive manufacturing technologies. Their long-term success depends on their stable anchoring in surrounding bone, which in turn depends on formation of new bone tissue on the implant surface, for which adhesion and proliferation of bone-forming cells is a pre-requisite. Hence, surface coatings which promote cell adhesion and proliferation are desirable.Here, Ti6Al4V discs prepared by additive manufacturing (EBM) were coated with layers of pectins, calcium-binding polysaccharides derived from citrus (C) and apple (A), which also contained alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the enzyme responsible for mineralization of bone tissue.Adhesion and proliferation of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSC) were assessed. Proliferation after 7 days was increased by A-ALP coatings and, in particular, by C-ALP coatings. Cell morphology was similar on coated and uncoated samples. In conclusion, ALP-loaded pectin coatings promote hBMSC adhesion and proliferation.

Tribological Performance of Titanium Alloy Ti–6Al–4V via CVD–diamond Coatings

In the present study, HFCVD nanocrystalline, microcrystalline and boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond coatings have been deposited on titanium alloy. The effect of boron doping on coefficient of friction and residual stresses of diamond coatings have been studied. The tribological characteristics of the aforementioned three coatings on Ti–6Al–4V substrates were studied using ball on disc micro-tribometer, the thickness of the coatings being 3 μm. The coated Ti–6Al–4V discs were slid against alumina (Al2O3) balls with normal load ranging from 1 to 10 N. The boron-doped NCD coated sample disc was found to possess the lowest average coefficient of friction ~ 0.0804 while the undoped NCD and MCD coated sample discs were found to possess the average coefficients of friction of ~ 0.143 and ~ 0.283, respectively. Raman spectroscopy studies revealed that the residual stresses in boron-doped nanocrystalline coatings were tensile in nature, while the residual stresses in undoped NCD and MCD were found to be of compressive nature.

Experimental investigations into nanofinishing of Ti6Al4V flat disc using magnetorheological finishing process

3-D components used in today’s industries need fine surface characteristics as a functional requirement. Therefore, it is necessary to improve surface characteristics before putting them into useful applications, by achieving superior surface finish very close to dimensional precision. Magnetorheological fluid-based finishing processes are efficient in achieving ultrafine surfaces. This paper aims to explore the key quality performance of the magnetorheological finishing process in achieving nanolevel finish on Ti6Al4V discs. Sequential experimental design through statistical design of experiments was employed and response surface model was developed. Concentration of abrasive particles and wheel speed were considered as independent process parameters for the present study. To have uniform (or minimum variation) surface roughness values on the entire surface, a negative replica of the workpiece has been fabricated as a tool, and magnetic field was used to create magnetorheological effect. Using a template, surface roughness was measured at the same points before and after finishing. Initial Ra value was found to be the critical process parameter for finishing Ti6Al4V workpiece by magnetorheological finishing. % change in Ra is significantly affected by concentration of abrasive particles (≈50%) followed by initial Ra (≈ 38%). Finishing rate is significantly affected by initial Ra (≈61%) followed by concentration of abrasive particles (≈33%). An area roughness of 49 nm was achieved in the present study.

Influence of exposure time on the release of bacteria from a biofilm on Ti6Al4V discs using sonication: An in vitro model

Implant sonication is considered a useful method for the diagnosis of implant-related infections. We designed an in vitro study using Ti6Al4V discs and 5 different bacteria to determine the optimal sonication time for recovery of most bacteria tested to enable use of sonication in clinical practice for microbiological diagnosis of implant-related infections. We carried out a specific protocol for the adherence and subsequent biofilm formation on the materials used. The discs were then sonicated and the retrieved bacteria were quantified. From minute 1 to 5, the amount of recovered organisms grew progressively for all bacteria. Between minute 6 and minute 10, the number was irregular for all strains except E. coli, though no pattern was evidenced. E. coli was the only microorganism with a progressive increase in liberation throughout the process. Significant differences were observed in each of the 10minutes analyzed as concerns the release of the 5 strains (P<0.021) as well as in the mean dislodgement (of the 10minutes) of all tested strains (P<0.00001).Considering that infections in which biofilms are involved could be polymicrobial, we concluded that 5minutes is the optimal time of sonication in order to recover the maximum amount of most bacteria attached to Ti6Al4V discs.

Bactericidal and antimicrobial effects of pure titanium and titanium alloy treated with short-term, low-energy UV irradiation.

ObjectivesThe surface of pure titanium (Ti) shows decreased histocompatibility over time; this phenomenon is known as biological ageing. UV irradiation enables the reversal of biological ageing through photofunctionalisation, a physicochemical alteration of the titanium surface. Ti implants are sterilised by UV irradiation in dental surgery. However, orthopaedic biomaterials are usually composed of the alloy Ti6Al4V, for which the antibacterial effects of UV irradiation are unconfirmed. Here we evaluated the bactericidal and antimicrobial effects of treating Ti and Ti6Al4V with UV irradiation of a lower and briefer dose than previously reported, for applications in implant surgery.Materials and MethodsTi and Ti6Al4V disks were prepared. To evaluate the bactericidal effect of UV irradiation, Staphylococcus aureus 834 suspension was seeded onto the disks, which were then exposed to UV light for 15 minutes at a dose of 9 J/cm2. To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of UV irradiation, bacterial suspensions were seeded onto the disks 0, 0.5, one, six, 24 and 48 hours, and three and seven days after UV irradiation as described above. In both experiments, the bacteria were then harvested, cultured, and the number of colonies were counted.ResultsNo colonies were observed when UV irradiation was performed after the bacteria were added to the disks. When the bacteria were seeded after UV irradiation, the amount of surviving bacteria on the Ti and Ti6Al4V disks decreased at 0 hours and then gradually increased. However, the antimicrobial activity was maintained for seven days after UV irradiation.ConclusionAntimicrobial activity was induced for seven days after UV irradiation on both types of disk. Irradiated Ti6Al4V and Ti had similar antimicrobial properties.Cite this article: T. Itabashi, K. Narita, A. Ono, K. Wada, T. Tanaka, G. Kumagai, R. Yamauchi, A. Nakane, Y. Ishibashi. Bactericidal and antimicrobial effects of pure titanium and titanium alloy treated with short-term, low-energy UV irradiation. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:108–112. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.62.2000619.

Bone tissue response induced by bioactive polymer functionalized Ti6Al4V surfaces: In vitro and in vivo study

Ti6Al4V is commonly used for orthopedic applications. This study was designed to test the potentially added benefit of Ti6Al4V functionalized with a bioactive polymer poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) both in vitro and in vivo. Cell-based assays with MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells were used to measure the cell adhesion strength, cell spreading, focal contact formation, cell differentiation and the mineralization of extracellular matrix on grafted and ungrafted Ti6Al4V discs in combination with FBS and collagen type I. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) was also included in the cell differentiation assay. Results showed that the grafted surface combined with collagen I gave superior levels in every parameter tested with cell-based assays and was almost equivalent to BMP-2 for cell differentiation. In vivo testing was conducted in rabbits (n=42) with cylinders of grafted and ungrafted Ti6Al4V implanted in defects made to the femoral and lateral condyles and animals that were maintained to 1, 3 and 12months. Hydroxyapatite coated Ti6Al4V cylinders were included as a clinical reference control. Osseointegration was assessed post-mortem using histomorphometric analysis conducted on resin sections of explanted undecalcified bone. Two histomorphometric parameters, that of bone-to-implant contact and the bone area, were analyzed by a trained observer blinded to sample identity. Results showed osseointegration on grafted Ti6Al4V was marginally better than both ungrafted and hydroxyapatite coated Ti6Al4V. Overall, the study found that the grafted Ti6Al4V significantly promoted all aspects of osteogenesis tested in vitro and, although in vivo outcomes were less compelling, histomorphometry showed osseointegration of grafted Ti6Al4V implants was equivalent or better than controls.