Titanium in Cardiac and Cardiovascular Applications

A state-of-the-art review of the fabrication and characteristics of titanium and its alloys for biomedical applications

Abstract

Commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys have been among the most commonly used materials for biomedical applications since the 1950s. Due to the excellent mechanical tribological properties, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of titanium, it is getting much attention as a biomaterial for implants. Furthermore, titanium promotes osseointegration without any additional adhesives by physically bonding with the living bone at the implant site. These properties are crucial for producing high-strength metallic alloys for biomedical applications. Titanium alloys are manufactured into the three types of α, β, and α + β. The scientific and clinical understanding of titanium and its potential applications, especially in the biomedical field, are still in the early stages. This review aims to establish a credible platform for the current and future roles of titanium in biomedicine. We first explore the developmental history of titanium. Then, we review the recent advancement of the utility of titanium in diverse biomedical areas, its functional properties, mechanisms of biocompatibility, host tissue responses, and various relevant antimicrobial strategies. Future research will be directed toward advanced manufacturing technologies, such as powder-based additive manufacturing, electron beam melting and laser melting deposition, as well as analyzing the effects of alloying elements on the biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties of titanium. Moreover, the role of titania nanotubes in regenerative medicine and nanomedicine applications, such as localized drug delivery system, immunomodulatory agents, antibacterial agents, and hemocompatibility, is investigated, and the paper concludes with the future outlook of titanium alloys as biomaterials.

Graphic abstract

Parametric optimization of deep cryogenic treatment for the wear response of implant material UNS R56700: Taguchi’s approach

Using the Taguchi’s robust design of experiments methodology, this article presents the systematic identification and optimization of most influential parameters of deep cryogenic treatment process to minimize the specific wear rate of UNS R56700 (Ti6Al7Nb). In addition to the different soaking durations (0–96 h) at 77 K and different tempering temperatures (room temperature, 403–523 K), three commonly used variables of pin-on-disk test, namely, sliding speed (1.047–2.723 ms−1), contact pressure (0.641–1.282 MPa), and sliding time (600–2280 s) were chosen to conduct the tests. During dry sliding conditions, pin-on-disk tribo-tests were performed to slide Ti6Al7Nb on the surface of UNS 52986 (En31) material as per standardized ASTM G99 guidelines. Experimentally measured wear rate values were converted to signal–noise ratio to statistically analyze the influence of five control variables using pooled analysis of variance and F-test. Statistically found influential control variables are confirmed experimentally. The results show that sliding speed, contact pressure and soaking duration are the most significant factors influencing the wear rate. In contrast, the parameters, that is, tempering temperature and sliding time, exhibit a lower level of influence. Microstructural characterizations done using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques suggested that deep cryogenic treatment favors the refinement of grain size of present phases with reduction in β-stabilization (β-phase) in Ti6Al7Nb. The possible reasons for the improvement in wear rate of Ti6Al7Nb underlying the morphological alterations have been explained.

Machinability and Optimization of Shrouded Centrifugal Impellers for Implantable Blood Pumps

This paper describes the use of analytical methods to determine machinable centrifugal impeller geometries and the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for predicting the impeller performance. An analytical scheme is described to determine the machinable geometries for a shrouded centrifugal impeller with blades composed of equiangular spirals. The scheme is used to determine the maximum machinable blade angles for impellers with three to nine blades in a case study. Computational fluid dynamics is then used to analyze all the machinable geometries and determine the optimal blade number and angle based on measures of efficiency and rotor speed. The effect of tip width on rotor speed and efficiency is also examined. It is found that, for our case study, a six- or seven-bladed impeller with a low blade angle provides maximum efficiency and minimum rotor speed.

Reference biomaterials for biological evaluation

The variability associated with most of the biological evaluation studies is relatively large and hence experimental controls are frequently employed to ensure that the results are reliable. These experimental controls, either positive or negative controls, could be considered as reference materials in the context of biological evaluation. Currently, reference biomaterial needs across the world are not addressed satisfactorily. Affordability and lack of availability of certified reference materials necessitates the development and the use of laboratory developed RMs. A well defined characterization strategy is essential for the successful development of in house reference materials. This article provides an overview of the current international status in the area of reference biomaterials and enumerates the steps involved in the development of an in house reference material. The production and characterization of commercially pure titanium pins for use as negative controls during muscle implantation studies is presented as a case study.