[Evaluation of biocompatibility of Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds fabricated by electron beam melting]

Objective: To investigate the biocompatibility of Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds fabricated by electron beam melting(EBM). Methods: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSC) co-cultured with Ti-6Al-4V specimens fabricated with EBM was prepared as experimental group and the regular cells culture was employed as control. The biocompatibility was detected using CCK-8 and cytoskeleton staining. The osteogenic differentiation ability was assessed using mineralization nodule formation. A 24 mm defect was created on the right mandibular body in 12 beagles. The mandibular defects were repaired with Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds mesh fabricated by EBM. General observation, CT and histology examination was carried out to evaluated the biocompatibility of Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds in vivo. Results: CCK-8 result showed the A values of the two groups had no significant difference(P >0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Cytoskeletal staining showed that cells were fully stretched out and grew well on T-i6Al-4V specimen. The actin fibers were arranged in parallel and stained uniformly with fluorescent. After osteogenic culture, the quantity of the nodule formation of the experimental group and control group were 5.7±0.7 and 5.1 ± 0.6, respectively(P>0.05). All animals had tolerated the surgery and healed well. CT examination showed that Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds mesh had good retention with surrounding bone and the continuity of mandible was restored. Histological examination showed that no inflammation reaction or toxity was caused in the soft tissue surrounding the scaffolds and in the liver and kidney after implantation. Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds had good retention with surrounding bone. Conclusions: Ti-6Al-4V fabricated with electron beam melting has good biocompatibility.