Cell response to plasma electrolytic oxidation surface-modified low-modulus β-type titanium alloys.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Orthopaedic Research

Background:

• Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is effective for enhancing osteoconduction and osseointegration of commercially pure α-titanium (CP α-Ti) for dental applications.
• Extending PEO to low-modulus β-type titanium alloys for load-bearing orthopaedic implants requires understanding substrate effects on biological performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of applying PEO to low-modulus β-type titanium alloys (Ti13Nb13Zr, Ti45Nb).
• To evaluate the in vitro biological performance of PEO-treated β-type titanium alloys compared to reference titanium materials.
• To assess the potential of PEO-modified β-type titanium alloys for orthopaedic implant applications.

Main Methods:

• Modification of Ti13Nb13Zr and Ti45Nb surfaces using a KeroniteTM PEO unit (10 kW, 50 Hz).
• In vitro cell culture of foetal human osteoblast (fHOb) cells on PEO-treated and untreated titanium substrates (CP α-Ti, Ti6Al4V as references).
• Assessment of cell metabolic activity, collagen production, matrix formation, mineralization, and inflammatory cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-10).

Main Results:

• PEO-treated low-modulus β-type titanium alloys exhibited comparable osteoblast behavior (metabolic activity, collagen production, matrix formation, mineralization) to reference titanium materials.
• No significant differences in inflammatory cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-10) were observed across all tested samples.
• Osteoblasts demonstrated interdigitation into the porous PEO coating structure, with cell processes remaining adherent after sonication.

Conclusions:

• PEO technology effectively modifies low-modulus β-type titanium alloys, creating a porous surface structure conducive to osseointegration.
• PEO treatment does not impede osteoblast activity or induce adverse inflammatory responses on these β-type titanium alloys.
• PEO-modified low-modulus β-type titanium alloys show promise for load-bearing orthopaedic implant applications.