Potential of FeAlCr intermetallics reinforced with nanoparticles as new biomaterials for medical devices

Abstract

Novel FeAlCr oxide dispersion strengthened intermetallics that are processed by powder metallurgy have been developed as potential biomaterials. The alloys exhibit a small grain size and a fine dispersion of yttria provides the material with a high yield strength and depending on the alloy composition good ductility (up to 5%). The biocompatibility of the alloy was assessed in comparison with commercial alumina. Saos-2 osteoblast-like cells were either challenged with mechanically alloyed particles, or seeded onto solid samples. Viability and proliferation of cells were substantially unaffected by the presence of a high concentration of particles (1 mg/mL). Solid samples of novel FeAlCr intermetallic have shown a good biocompatibility in vitro, often approaching the behavior of materials well known for their biological acceptance (e.g. alumina). It has been found that osteoblasts are able to produce ALP, a specific marker of cells with bone-forming activity. In this respect, ALUSI alloys hold the promise to be suitable substrate for bone integration. The finding of no cytotoxic effect in the presence of the alloy particles is a reliable proof of the absence of acute toxicity of the material.

Metals as bone repair materials

“…Biocompatibility was evaluated in vitro by testing human osteoblast-like saos2 cells with mechanically alloyed particles 85 or solid samples. 87 overall, none of the investigated new alloys was found to be cytotoxic. Instead, a good level of biocompatibility was assessed.…”

DEPOSIÇÕES DE FILMES FINOS DA LIGA INTERMETÁLICA FeAlCr POR SPUTTERING PARA A APLICAÇÃO EM BIOMATERIAIS

“…Modificações superficiais como implantação iônica, assim como recobrimentos cerâmicos por meio de diferentes técnicas de plasma como PECVD e PVD, têm recebido considerável atenção pela possibilidade de combinar as boas propriedades mecânicas do substrato metálico com a boa biocompatibilidade da camada cerâmica externa [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Uma liga intermetálica baseada no sistema FeAlCr, denominada ALUSI [9], além de apresentar alta resistência específica, tem demonstrado em ensaios in vitro boa biocompatibilidade [9,10]. Esta liga está sendo utilizada neste trabalho para a obtenção de recobrimentos sobre um aço inoxidável austenítico tipo 316, o VI138, pela técnica de magnetron sputtering, processo de deposição física a vapor (PVD).…”