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Biocompatibility Analysis of the Silver-Coated Microporous Titanium Implants Manufactured with 3D-Printing Technology
Maxim Shevtsov1,2,3, Emil Pitkin4, Stephanie E Combs1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Technische Universität München (TUM), Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 17, 2024
Summary
Silver coatings on 3D-printed titanium implants prevent infection without harming bone or skin cell growth. This enhances osseointegrated implant design by maintaining biointegration and osteoinductivity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- 3D-printed titanium scaffolds offer excellent biointegration and biomechanical properties for prostheses.
- Implant-associated infections are a significant clinical challenge, driving the need for antimicrobial strategies.
- Silver coatings show potential for reducing bacterial growth and biofilm formation on implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and effects of a silver coating on 3D-printed microporous titanium alloy implants.
- To assess the impact of silver coating on cell viability, adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation.
- To determine if silver coating compromises the biointegrative and osteoinductive properties of titanium scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- A 1-µm silver coating was applied to 3D-printed titanium alloy using physical vapor deposition (PVD).
- Cell viability was assessed using MTT assays with MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and human dermal fibroblasts.
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze gene expression related to cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation.
Main Results:
- The silver coating exhibited low cytotoxicity to both osteoblasts and dermal fibroblasts over a 14-day period.
- Silver coating did not reduce dermal fibroblast adhesion, as indicated by gene expression of extracellular matrix components and integrins.
- Silver coating enhanced osteogenic activity in osteoblasts, notably boosting the TGF-β signaling pathway and increasing expression of osteonectin, osteocalcin, and osteopontin.
Conclusions:
- Silver coating on 3D-printed microporous titanium implants does not impede biointegration or osteoinductive properties.
- The findings support the use of silver coatings to mitigate infection risk in personalized osseointegrated implants.
- Silver-coated titanium scaffolds maintain crucial biological functions while offering antimicrobial benefits.
Keywords:
3D printingbone tissue engineeringfibroblastsosseointegrationosteoblastsscaffoldssilver coatingtitanium alloy
