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Toward Biomimetic Dental Implants: Upgrading Titanium Alloy-Based Composites via Hydroxyapatite Gradient Distribution
Yongli Wang1,2,3, Tong Zhang3, Yihong Chen1,2
1Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 11, 2026
Summary
Gradient boronized titanium composites with hydroxyapatite (HA) show promise for dental implants. The optimized composite exhibits bone-like mechanical properties and enhanced bioactivity, improving cell response and mineralization.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials
- Composite Materials
Background:
- Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) is a common dental implant material but has limitations.
- Its high Young's modulus and lack of surface bioactivity can hinder osseointegration.
- Mimicking natural tooth structure is crucial for improved dental implant performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate gradient boronized Ti6Al4V/hydroxyapatite (HA) composites.
- To investigate the influence of HA content on mechanical properties and bioactivity.
- To develop a dental implant material with enhanced biocompatibility and mechanical strength.
Main Methods:
- Microwave sintering was used to fabricate cylindrical Ti6Al4V/HA composites.
- Gradient HA distribution was achieved in a "shell-core-shell" structure.
- Mechanical testing (compressive strength, modulus) and in vitro bioactivity assays were performed.
Main Results:
- Composite 5-4-5 (4 wt% HA core, 5 wt% HA shell) showed high compressive strength (909.6 MPa) and modulus (10.9 GPa).
- This composite demonstrated excellent cell adhesion, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and matrix mineralization.
- Gradient HA distribution balanced ion release, surface microenvironment, and apatite nucleation.
Conclusions:
- The gradient boronized Ti6Al4V/HA composite offers a promising solution for dental implantation.
- Optimized HA content and gradient distribution enhance both mechanical properties and bioactivity.
- This material design overcomes limitations of traditional Ti6Al4V dental implants.
