Journal of Materials Science, Vol.47, No.10, 4410-4414, 2012
Osteoblast cell response to nanoscale SiO2/ZrO2 particulate-reinforced titanium composites and scaffolds by powder metallurgy
The strength of porous pure titanium (Ti) scaffold decreases dramatically with the introduction of porosity and might become lower than that of natural bone when with high porosity. To simultaneously meet the requirements of low-elastic modulus and appropriate strength for implant materials, it is necessary to develop new biocompatible Ti-based composites that are stronger than those currently available while providing low-elastic modulus and adequate strength when they are scaffolded into a porous structure. In this study, new particulate-reinforced Ti-based composites with nanoscale oxide particles of SiO2 and ZrO2 were prepared using a powder metallurgical method. The strengths of the new particulate-reinforced titanium composites were found to be significantly higher than that of a pure Ti. Cell culture results revealed that the articulate-reinforced titanium composites showed excellent biocompatibility and cell adhesion. Human osteoblast-like SaOS(2) cells grew and spread well on the surfaces of the new titanium composites. The present study illustrated the feasibility of using the particulate-reinforced titanium composites as an orthopaedic implant material.
Keywords:Particulate-reinforced titanium composites;Cell response;Mechanical property;Biocompatibility