Improved bioactivity of GUMMETAL^®, Ti₅₉Nb₃₆Ta₂Zr₃O_0.3, via formation of nanostructured surfaces

Abstract

The leading reason for implant revision surgery globally is lack of implant integration with surrounding bone. A new titanium alloy GUMMETAL® (Ti59Nb36Ta2Zr3O0.3) is currently used in biomedical devices and has a Young’s modulus that is better matched to bone. The surface was subject to NaOH, CaCl2, heat and water treatment (BioGum) after which the surfaces were evaluated using atomic force microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray. To demonstrate enhanced bone bonding ability and cytocompatibility, apatite formation in simulated body fluid and in vitro stem cell attachment, proliferation and cytoskeleton organisation were examined. The formation of a ~200 nm nanoscale needle-like calcium titanate network on the surface following treatment was revealed and upon soaking in simulated body fluid, the formation of a ~5 µm layer of apatite. Metabolic activity of rat bone marrow stem cells on BioGum was increased in comparison to control and the cell number appeared greater, with more elongated morphology as early as 2 h post-seeding. This positions the modification as a simple and potentially universal technology for the improvement of implant integration.

A comprehensive review of Gum metal's potential as a biomedical material

“…Several cells appeared with a more elongated morphology after seeding Divakarla et al 25 Ti-23Nb-0.7Ta-2Zr-0.5N MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts cell response-in vitro Pre-osteoblast proliferation, spreading and attachment are similar to Ti-64, but Gum metal showed high mineralization and differentiation.…”

“…This alignment minimizes the occurrence of the stress shielding phenomenon, offering significant advantages in the context of implant materials. 25 The Gum metal's low elastic modulus makes it well-suited for diverse biomedical applications. It has the potential to serve as a substitute for hard tissues in critical areas like hip joints, knee joints, and dental roots.…”

“…This underscores gum metal's recognition and adoption in the biomedical industry for its robust mechanical properties and suitability for various implant applications. 25…”

“…Achache et al 108 reported that the gum metal showed higher cell proliferation and bacterial inactivation. 108 Divakarla et al 25 devised a technique to create nanostructured surfaces on Ti-23Nb-0.7Ta-2Zr-1.2O Gum metal, aiming to enhance its bioactivity. Rat bone marrow stem cells exhibited heightened metabolic activity when placed on the nanostructured Gum metal.…”

Nano-graphene oxide/polyurethane nanofibers: mechanically flexible and myogenic stimulating matrix for skeletal tissue engineering

“…10 Therefore, a number of researchers are interested in nanoscale biomaterials. 11 –14 It seems that mechanical properties of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds meet the requirements for applying in biological systems. Recent publications have shown an improvement in cell behavior and skeletal myofiber formation on the electrospun fiber sheath enhanced with topographical or electric cues in vitro.…”