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Salt Preform Texturing of Absorbable Zn Substrates for Bone-implant Applications
Irsalan Cockerill1,2, Yingchao Su1,3, Reid Bitten2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76210, USA.
JOM (Warrendale, Pa. : 1989)
|March 19, 2021
Summary
Textured zinc surfaces enhance bone regeneration by improving implant contact. This study shows textured zinc supports cell adhesion and controls corrosion rates for absorbable metal scaffolds.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Engineering
- Orthopedic Implants
Background:
- Surface roughness is critical for bone-implant integration and osseointegration.
- Absorbable metals offer advantages for bone-implant applications but often lack surface texturing.
- Controlling the surface properties of absorbable metals is key to optimizing their performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create textured zinc surfaces with varying roughness using a salt-preform method.
- To evaluate the effect of surface texturing on zinc's corrosion rate and biocompatibility.
- To assess the potential of textured zinc for bone-implant applications.
Main Methods:
- Zinc surfaces were textured using a salt-preform method with fine and coarse salts.
- Surface characterization included scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and roughness measurements.
- Corrosion rates were measured, and in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using pre-osteoblasts.
Main Results:
- Textured zinc surfaces exhibited micron-sized cavities and increased roughness correlating with salt particle size.
- Corrosion rates of textured surfaces were significantly higher than the polished control.
- Pre-osteoblasts showed healthy morphology and adhesion on the textured zinc surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Textured zinc surfaces can be fabricated to control surface roughness and porosity.
- Surface texturing influences the corrosion rate of zinc, potentially tunable for absorbable implants.
- Textured zinc surfaces support osteoblast adhesion, indicating potential for bone regeneration applications.
