A Comparison of Biocompatibility of a Titanium Alloy Fabricated by Electron Beam Melting and Selective Laser Melting

Abstract

Electron beam melting (EBM) and selective laser melting (SLM) are two advanced rapid prototyping manufacturing technologies capable of fabricating complex structures and geometric shapes from metallic materials using computer tomography (CT) and Computer-aided Design (CAD) data. Compared to traditional technologies used for metallic products, EBM and SLM alter the mechanical, physical and chemical properties, which are closely related to the biocompatibility of metallic products. In this study, we evaluate and compare the biocompatibility, including cytocompatibility, haemocompatibility, skin irritation and skin sensitivity of Ti6Al4V fabricated by EBM and SLM. The results were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. Both the EBM and SLM Ti6Al4V exhibited good cytobiocompatibility. The haemolytic ratios of the SLM and EBM were 2.24% and 2.46%, respectively, which demonstrated good haemocompatibility. The EBM and SLM Ti6Al4V samples showed no dermal irritation when exposed to rabbits. In a delayed hypersensitivity test, no skin allergic reaction from the EBM or the SLM Ti6Al4V was observed in guinea pigs. Based on these results, Ti6Al4V fabricated by EBM and SLM were good cytobiocompatible, haemocompatible, non-irritant and non-sensitizing materials. Although the data for cell adhesion, proliferation, ALP activity and the haemolytic ratio was higher for the SLM group, there were no significant differences between the different manufacturing methods.

Additive Manufacturing of Titanium Alloys for Orthopedic Applications: A Materials Science Viewpoint

“…These in addition with the size reduction of α phase clusters are potent mechanisms for reducing the initiation of internal fatigue cracks [129] . Reproduced with permission [134] , 2016, PLOS ONE…”

“…Following fabrication and some minor post-processing, the custom implant can be delivered to the patient, with a drastically reduced lead time. Reproduced with permission [45] 2007, Elsevier Reproduced with permission [89] , 2015, Elsevier Reproduced with permission [91] , 2015, Elsevier Reproduced with permission [105] , 2015, Elsevier Reproduced with permission [134] , 2016, PLOS ONE Reproduced with permission [148] , 2015, The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Reproduced with permission [85] , 2017, Elsevier Reproduced with permission [155] , 2014, Elsevier Reproduced with permission [75] , 2013, Elsevier Reproduced with permission [213] , 2016, Dove Press Reproduced with permission [210] , 2016, Elsevier [199] 15-75 (PA*) 50 58 42 implants, with a focus on the manipulation of additive manufacturing process parameters to produce implants with improved osseointegrative capabilities.…”

Enhanced Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Activity of Selective Laser Melting Titanium with Zinc-Doped Micro-Nano Topography

“…Selective laser melting (SLM), one of the most modern types of additive manufacturing (AM), is particularly well suited to fabricate customized implants or bone substitutes with free-form geometry [5][6][7]. Since the bone-implant interface is crucial to osseointegration, numerous studies have focused on evaluating the biocompatible properties of the SLM surface [8][9][10][11]. Compared to conventional machineprocessed titanium, the biocompatibility of SLM substrate remains controversial.…”

Combined Infection Control and Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation Capacity on Additive Manufactured Ti‐6Al‐4V are Mediated via Titania Nanotube Delivery of Novel Biofilm Inhibitors

“…[ 40 ] Compared with dual α + β microstructure produced during traditional fabrication (e.g., wrought) and also electron beam melting (EBM), α′ martensite plates are the dominant microstructures produced in laser melting process due to high the cooling rate (greater than 10 4 K s −1 ). [ 40,41 ] The difference in microstructure likely contributed to the nanotube growth properties as demonstrated in Table 1 . A longer time was needed for the polished Ti64 anodization resulting in significantly larger nanotube diameter and longer nanotube length in comparison to AM substrates.…”