In Vitro and Electrochemical Characterization of Laser-Cladded Ti-Nb-Ta Alloy for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are predominant choices for use as biomaterials in human implants. Research has shown the adverse effects of using commercial Ti alloy Ti-6Al-4V in the human body, and this presents a need for viable alternatives. In this study, Ti alloy Ti-17Nb-6Ta was manufactured by laser cladding—a prominent additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Laser cladded specimens were evaluated for their in vitro and electrochemical behavior. A human osteosarcoma cell line (MG-63 cells) was used for in vitro investigations. Cell proliferation was good in the physiological medium, and cells were alive when in contact with the laser cladded alloy, even after two to three weeks, indicating good cell viability and compatibility with this alloy. Electrochemical characterization was carried out in Ringer’s solution, and noticeably lower corrosion current density and corrosion rate values were observed. The lower amounts of these parameters indicated the passivation behavior due to multi-layer Ti, Nb, and Ta alloy oxide films. These oxide films also enhanced osseointegration. Thus, the Ti-17Nb-6Ta alloy can be an ideal biocompatible alternative to Ti-6Al-4V.

Multifunctional Hybrid Material for Endoprosthetic Implants Based on Alumina-Toughened Zirconia Ceramics and Additively Manufactured TiNbTa Alloy

“…The microscopic investigations of the TiNbTa-ATZ fracture surfaces revealed that the strength of the hybrid material is determined by adhesive failure along the interface between glass solder and TiNbTa alloy as well as cohesive fracture of the glass solder, which is in line with previous observations [18,20,24]. Within TiNbTa alloys, oxide films, e.g., TiO2, Nb2O5, and Ta2O are formed [29,30], and the reaction of the chemical compounds in the surface layers with the glass solder is crucial in the formation of the material bond [17,18]. Hey et al [48] described the formation of Ti5Si3 due to the reaction of SiO2 with Ti using a comparable silica-based glass solder.…”

“…Using medical β-titanium (β-Ti) alloys in glass-soldered hybrid materials is a promising approach, since β-Ti alloys possess increased elasticity compared to pure α (cp-Ti) or α+β (Ti-6Al-4V) Ti alloys [25]. They are mostly composed of biocompatible elements such as Nb, Ta, and Zr [26][27][28], which are highly corrosion resistant [29,30] and additionally promote osteogenesis [31]. Furthermore, β-Ti alloys can be additively manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) [32], allowing advanced processability, e.g., direct fabrication of complex structures, such as open porous scaffolds or specifically functionalized implant surfaces [26,33].…”

Multifunctional Hybrid Material for Endoprosthetic Implants Based on Alumina-Toughened Zirconia Ceramics and Additively Manufactured TiNbTa Alloys

“…The microscopic investigations of the fracture surfaces (Figure 6) revealed that the strength of the hybrid material is determined by the adhesive failure along the interface between the glass solder and Ti-based material, as well as by the cohesive fracture of the glass solder, which is in line with previous observations [21,25,67]. Within the TiNbTa alloys, oxide films (e.g., TiO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , and Ta 2 O), are formed [74,75], and the reaction of the chemical compounds in the surface layers with the glass solder is crucial in the formation of the material bond [20,21]. Hey et al [76] described the formation of Ti 5 Si 3 due to the reaction of SiO 2 with Ti using a comparable silica-based glass solder.…”

“…In contrast to Co-28Cr-6Mo, the glass solder and ATZ ceramics are highly biocompatible [26]. In addition, it has been shown that osteoblasts cultured on TiNbTa exhibit a gene differentiation indicating bone formation [47], and Ti/Nb/Ta alloys are highly corrosion-resistant [74,75]. Furthermore, contrary to Ti-6Al-4V, where potentially harmful aluminum and vanadium ions are released [9][10][11]34], niobium and tantalum are highly biocompatible with no cytotoxic effects have been described so far [83].…”

Advanced Ti–Nb–Ta Alloys for Bone Implants with Improved Functionality

“…Niobium and tantalum are particularly promising alloying elements. They stabilize the β-phase in Ti base alloys, form highly corrosion-resistant passive oxide layers, and are biocompatible [13,16,17,[24][25][26].…”