Metal-polyphenol networks-modified tantalum plate for craniomaxillofacial reconstruction

Using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to make the porous tantalum plate and modify its surface. The physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility, antioxidant capacity, and histocompatibility of the modified materials were evaluated to prepare for the repair of craniomaxillofacial bone defects. The porous tantalum plates were 3D printed by selective laser melting technology. Tantalum plates were surface modified with a metal polyphenol network. The surface-modified plates were analyzed for cytocompatibility using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide and live/dead cell staining. The antioxidant capacity of the surface-modified plates was assessed by measuring the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde. The histocompatibility of the plates was evaluated by animal experiments. The results obtained that the tantalum plates with uniform small pores exhibited a high mechanical strength. The surface-modified plates had much better hydrophilicity. In vitro cell experiments showed that the surface-modified plates had higher cytocompatibility and antioxidant capacity than blank tantalum plates. Through subcutaneous implantation in rabbits, the surface-modified plates demonstrated good histocompatibility. Hence, surface-modified tantalum plates had the potential to be used as an implant material for the treatment of craniomaxillofacial bone defects.