Osteoblast Cell Response on the Ti6Al4V Alloy Heat-Treated
Mercedes Paulina Chávez-Díaz1,2, María Lorenza Escudero-Rincón3, Elsa Miriam Arce-Estrada4
1Departamento de Ingeniería en Metalurgia y Materiales, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (ESIQIE-IPN), UPALM Zacatenco, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico. mpaulinachavezdiaz@yahoo.com.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 5, 2017
Summary
Heat treatment alters titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) microstructure, influencing cell adhesion. The study found that specific microstructures, like those formed at 800°C, enhance biocompatibility and cell attachment on titanium surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Titanium alloys, particularly Ti6Al4V, are widely used in biomedical implants due to their favorable mechanical properties.
- Microstructural variations can significantly impact the surface characteristics and biological response of metallic biomaterials.
- Understanding the relationship between microstructure and cellular behavior is crucial for optimizing implant performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of heat treatment-induced microstructural changes in Ti6Al4V alloy on its electrochemical properties and biocompatibility.
- To correlate specific microstructures (globular, lamellar) with cell adhesion and morphology of Saos-2 pre-osteoblast cells.
- To elucidate the role of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) formation in the observed biological responses.
Main Methods:
- Ti6Al4V alloy underwent heat treatments at 800°C (below β-phase transformation) and 1050°C (above β-phase transformation) to achieve distinct microstructures.
- Electrochemical techniques, including Open Circuit Potential (OCP) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), were employed in cell culture medium.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to characterize cell adhesion, morphology, and elemental composition.
Main Results:
- Both heat treatments resulted in passive electrochemical behavior, with enhanced impedance values observed for Ti6Al4V$_{800}$ and Ti6Al4V$_{1050}$ alloys, attributed to TiO₂ formation.
- SEM analysis revealed different cell morphologies: polygonal and elongated for as-received and Ti6Al4V$_{800}$, and spherical for Ti6Al4V$_{1050}$.
- EDX confirmed the presence of Ti and O (from TiO₂) and elements related to organic compounds, suggesting extracellular matrix formation.
Conclusions:
- The microstructure of Ti6Al4V significantly affects Saos-2 cell adhesion and morphology.
- Enhanced cell adhesion is likely promoted by TiO₂ formed in discrete α-phase regions, dependent on the specific microstructure (grains).
- Tailoring the heat treatment of Ti6Al4V offers a pathway to optimize its surface properties for improved osseointegration and implant success.
