Influence of the Glassy Fraction Surface of a ZrCoAlAg Ribbon Alloy on the Bioactive Response to Simulated Body Fluid and Its Effect on Cell Viability

Abstract

To purpose of this work is to determine the biocompatibility of the Zr58Co21Al9Ag12 alloy; vitreous ribbons of the Zr58Co21Al9Ag12 alloy were obtained by a chill block melt spinner. They were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Chemical homogeneity was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Similarly, thermal analysis was performed using differential scanning calorimetry. The nanoindentation test was performed with a Berkovich nanoindenter. Subsequently, the bioactivity was evaluated by chemical immersion in simulated body fluid. After immersion, it was characterized by XRD. A cell adhesion test was performed using mesenchymal stem cells from human dental pulp. Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated with a CCK-8 assay using human lymphocytes. The ribbons have crystalline phases close to 20%. The thermal parameters, Young’s modulus, and hardness were obtained. After the immersion test, Ca and P were identified. Ion release does not exceed critical levels for human cells. The alloy has a higher concentration of adhered cells compared to Ti6Al4V. The alloy remains bio-inert with respect to apatite formation; however, it exhibits excellent cell viability, proliferation, and adhesion behavior.