Cell Behavior on 3D Ti-6Al-4 V Scaffolds with Different Porosities

Porous titanium (Ti) and its alloys fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have attractive potential for dental and bone defect repair fields. Understanding the relationship between cells and the surface of the as-built three-dimensional (3D) scaffold interactions is not only necessary for tissue engineering but also promising for improving the fabrication process in the manufacture of artificial implants by AM technology. In this study, we have aimed to investigate the cell behavior including adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts (L929) on Ti-6Al-4 V scaffolds fabricated by the electron beam melting method. The porosities of Ti-6Al-4 V scaffolds are 0% (compact), 60%, and 70%, respectively. Different cell behaviors have been observed from all of the specimens after 4 and 8 days of cell incubation. The present result indicates that, besides the surface roughness, the surface topography of specimens should also be taken into consideration to investigate the interaction between implants and cells. Therefore, this study would provide several possibilities for improving the osteointegration functions of the manufactured porous metallic implants in orthopedic and dental applications.