Biocompatibility study on Ni-free Ti-based and Zr-based bulk metallic glasses

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Medical instruments and implants require high safety and reliability.
• Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) offer superior mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility.
• Nickel (Ni) in many Zr- and Ti-based BMGs causes allergic reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biocompatibility of Ni-free Ti-based and Zr-based BMGs.
• To compare the biocompatibility of novel BMGs with traditional materials like Ti6Al4V and pure Cu.
• To identify promising BMG candidates for medical implant applications.

Main Methods:

• Systematic biocompatibility testing of Ni-free Ti₄₀Zr₁₀Cu₃₆Pd₁₄ and Zr₄₈Cu₃₆Al₈Ag₈ BMGs.
• Co-culture experiments with L929 murine fibroblast cell line.
• Assessment of cellular adhesion, cytotoxicity (MTT assay), and metallic ion release.

Main Results:

• Ti₄₀Zr₁₀Cu₃₆Pd₁₄ BMG and Ti6Al4V demonstrated optimal biocompatibility.
• Cells exhibited good adhesion and spindle shape after direct contact with these materials.
• Ti₄₀Zr₁₀Cu₃₆Pd₁₄ BMG showed significantly low copper (Cu) ion release.

Conclusions:

• Ni-free Ti-based BMGs present a viable alternative for medical implants.
• The evaluated Ti₄₀Zr₁₀Cu₃₆Pd₁₄ BMG exhibits excellent biocompatibility and low ion release.
• These findings support the use of Ni-free Ti-based BMGs in biomedical applications.