Early effect of Ti–24Nb–4Zr–7.9Sn intramedullary nails on fractured bone

Corrosion and Biological Behaviors of Biomedical Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn Alloy under an Oxidative Stress Microenvironment

Biomaterials can induce an inflammatory response in surrounding tissues after implantation, generating and releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The excessive accumulation of ROS may create a microenvironment with high levels of oxidative stress (OS), which subsequently accelerates the degradation of the passive film on the surface of titanium (Ti) alloys and affects their biological activity. The immunomodulatory role of macrophages in biomaterial osteogenesis under OS is unknown. This study aimed to explore the corrosion behavior and bone formation of Ti implants under an OS microenvironment. In this study, the corrosion resistance and osteoinduction capabilities in normal and OS conditions of the Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn (wt %, Ti2448) were assessed. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis indicated that the Ti2448 alloy exhibited superior corrosion resistance on exposure to excessive ROS compared to the Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) alloy. This can be attributed to the formation of the TiO2 and Nb2O5 passive films, which mitigated the adverse effects of OS. In vitro MC3T3-E1 cell experiments revealed that the Ti2448 alloy exhibited good biocompatibility in the OS microenvironment, whereas the osteogenic differentiation level was comparable to that of the TC4 alloy. The Ti2448 alloy significantly alleviates intercellular ROS levels, inducing a higher proportion of M2 phenotypes (52.7%) under OS. Ti2448 alloy significantly promoted the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin 10 (IL-10), and osteoblast-related cytokines, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), which relatively increased by 26.9 and 31.4%, respectively, compared to TC4 alloy. The Ti2448 alloy provides a favorable osteoimmune environment and significantly promotes the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in vitro compared to the TC4 alloy. Ultimately, the Ti2448 alloy demonstrated excellent corrosion resistance and immunomodulatory properties in an OS microenvironment, providing valuable insights into potential clinical applications as implants to repair bone tissue defects.

The Influence of Severe Plastic Deformation on Microstructure and In Vitro Biocompatibility of the New Ti-Nb-Zr-Ta-Fe-O Alloy Composition

In this work, severe plastic deformation (SPD) of the newly designed Ti-Nb-Zr-Ta-Fe-O GUM metal was successfully conducted at room temperature using high speed high pressure torsion (HSHPT) followed by cold rolling (CR) to exploit the suitability of the processed alloy for bone staples. The Ti-31.5Nb-3.1Zr-3.1Ta-0.9Fe-0.16O GUM alloy was fabricated in a levitation melting furnace using a cold crucible and argon protective atmosphere. The as-cast specimens were subjected to SPD, specifically HSHPT, and then processed by the CR method to take the advantages of both grain refinement and larger dimensions. This approach creates the opportunity to obtain temporary orthopedic implants nanostructured by SPD. The changes induced by HSHPT technology from the coarse dendrite directly into the ultrafine grained structure were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The structural investigations showed that by increasing the deformation, a high density of grain boundaries is accumulated, leading gradually to fine grain size. In addition, the in vitro biocompatibility studies were conducted in parallel on the GUM alloy specimens in the as-cast state, and after HSHPT- and HSHPT+CR- processing. For comparative purposes, in vitro behavior of the bone-derived MC3T3-E1 cells on the commercially pure titanium has also been investigated regarding the viability and proliferation, morphology and osteogenic differentiation. The results obtained support the appropriateness of the HSHPT technology for developing compression staples able to ensure a better fixation of bone fragments.

Comparison of the osteoblastic activity of low elastic modulus Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn alloy and pure titanium modified by physical and chemical methods

Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn (Ti2448) alloy is a novel low elastic modulus β-titanium alloy without toxic elements. It also has the advantage of high strength, so it has potential application prospects for implantation. To develop its osteogenic effects, it can be modified by electrochemical, and physical processes. The main research aim of this study was to explore the bioactivity of Ti2448 alloy modified by sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA), micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and anodic oxidation (AO), and to determine which of the three surface modifications is the best way for developing the osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). In vitro studies, the cytoskeleton, focal adhesion and proliferation of BMMSCs showed that both pure titanium and Ti2448 alloy have good biocompatibility. The osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs with the Ti2448 alloy were examined by detecting alkaline phosphatase (ALP), mineralization nodules and osteogenic proteins and were better than that with pure titanium. These results showed that the Ti2448 alloy treated by SLA has a better effect on osteogenesis than pure titanium, and AO is the best way of three surface treatments to improve osteogenesis in this study.

RETRACTED: In vitro corrosion resistance and in vivo osseointegration testing of new multifunctional beta-type quaternary TiMoZrTa alloys

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of authors. Due to communication issues between Professor dr. Lucia Carmen Trincă and Professor dr. Vizureanu Petrica and Assist. dr. Bălţatu Simona, the first author was not aware that the specimens processed by corrosion by Assoc. Professor dr. Daniel Mareci and evaluated in the aforementioned article would be included by Assistant dr. Bălţatu Simona in her PhD thesis that was defended in June 2017 and then in an international patent application (Indonesia) No: PI 2019006569, in November 2019. The authors understand and respect the intellectual property rights of the international (Indonesia) patent application holders no: PI 2019006569/2019 and thus request the retraction of the article.

On the high-pressure phase stability and elastic properties of β-titanium alloys

We have studied the compressibility and stability of different β-titanium alloys at high pressure, including binary Ti-Mo, Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn (Ti2448) and Ti-36Nb-2Ta-0.3O (gum metal). We observed stability of the β phase in these alloys to 40 GPa, well into the ω phase region in the P-T diagram of pure titanium. Gum metal was pressurised above 70 GPa and forms a phase with a crystal structure similar to the η phase of pure Ti. The bulk moduli determined for the different alloys range from 97  ±  3 GPa (Ti2448) to 124  ±  6 GPa (Ti-16.8Mo-0.13O).

Electrochemical and surface analyses of nanostructured Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn alloys in simulated body solution

The use of nanostructuring to improve the stability of passive thin films on biomaterials can enhance their effectiveness in corrosion resistance and reduce the release of ions. The thickness of the ultrathin films that cover Ti and Ti alloys (only several nanometers) has prevented researchers from establishing systematic methods for their characterization. This study employed a multifunctional biomedical titanium alloy Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn (wt.%) as a model material. Coarse-grained (CG) and nanostructured (NS) alloys were analyzed in 0.9% NaCl solution at 37°C. To reveal the details of the passive film, a method of sample preparation producing a passive layer suitable for transmission electron microscope analysis was developed. Electrochemical corrosion behavior was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization tests and Mott-Schottky measurements. Surface depth chemical profile and morphology evolution were performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and in situ atomic force microscopy, respectively. A mechanism was proposed on the basis of the point defect model to compare the corrosion resistance of the passive film on NS and CG alloys. Results showed that the protective amorphous film on NS alloy is thicker, denser and more homogeneous with fewer defects than that on CG alloy. The film on NS alloy contains more oxygen and corrosion-resistant elements (Ti and Nb), as well as their suboxides, compared with the film on CG alloy. These characteristics can be attributed to the rapid, uniform growth of the passive film facilitated by nanostructuring.

Effects of the surface characteristics of nanoporous titanium oxide films on Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn alloy on the initial adhesion of osteoblast-like MG-63 cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the surface characteristics of nanoporous titanium oxide films, formed by anodization on Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn (Ti2448) alloy, on the early adhesion of osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. Nanoporous titanium oxide films with two different pore sizes (30 and 90 nm) were formed by anodization in NH₄F solution on Ti2448 alloy. The surface roughness of the nanoporous titanium oxide films was determined using a Surftest Formtracer and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Cell viability was evaluated at different time points using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. To investigate the regulatory mechanisms involved in the focal adhesion of osteoblasts to Ti2448 alloy, we quantified the expression levels of integrin β1 and paxillin mRNAs on the nanoporous titanium oxide films during early osteoblast adhesion using real-time RT-PCR. Samples with a 30-nm nanoporous film exhibited a greater number of overlapping microporous structures with microprojections compared with the 90-nm nanoporous film samples. The MTT assay indicated that cell viability on the 30-nm nanoporous surface following 24 and 48 h of cell culture was higher than those observed on the unanodized control and 90-nm nanoporous surfaces. Integrin β1 mRNA expression levels on the 30-nm nanoporous surface following cell culture for 48 h were also significantly higher compared with those on the unanodized control and 90-nm nanoporous surfaces. The results demonstrated that a 30-nm nanoporous titanium oxide film on Ti2448 alloy may provide the optimum bioactive implant surface for the initial adhesion of osteoblasts.

Corrosion behavior of novel Ti-24Nb-4Zr-7.9Sn alloy for dental implant applications in vitro

Ti-24Nb-4Zr-7.9Sn (TNZS) alloy is a newly developed β-titanium alloy considered suitable for dental implant applications due to its low elastic modulus and high strength. The aim of this study was to investigate the corrosion behavior of TNZS alloy through a static immersion test in various simulated physiological solutions, namely, artificial saliva, lactic acid solution, fluoridated saliva, and fluoridated acidified saliva for 7 days. The corrosion behavior of commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy were also examined for comparison. The elemental release was measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, and the changes of alloy surface were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test results showed that the quantity of each metal element released from TNZS alloy into fluoridated solutions was much higher than the solutions without fluoride ions. It was highest in fluoridated acidified saliva and lowest in artificial saliva (p < 0.01). The total elemental release from TNZS alloy was lower than commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy in the same solution (p < 0.01). SEM micrographs indicated that TNZS alloy possessed better corrosion resistant performance. It can be concluded that fluoridated solutions have a negative influence on the corrosion behavior of TNZS alloy. Compared with commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy, TNZS alloy demonstrates better corrosion resistance in various simulated physiological solutions, so it has greater potential for dental implant applications.

Development of new metallic alloys for biomedical applications

New low modulus β-type titanium alloys for biomedical applications are still currently being developed. Strong and enduring β-type titanium alloy with a low Young's modulus are being investigated. A low modulus has been proved to be effective in inhibiting bone atrophy, leading to good bone remodeling in a bone fracture model in the rabbit tibia. Very recently β-type titanium alloys with a self-tunable modulus have been proposed for the construction of removable implants. Nickel-free low modulus β-type titanium alloys showing shape memory and super elastic behavior are also currently being developed. Nickel-free stainless steel and cobalt-chromium alloys for biomedical applications are receiving attention as well. Newly developed zirconium-based alloys for biomedical applications are proving very interesting. Magnesium-based or iron-based biodegradable biomaterials are under development. Further, tantalum, and niobium and its alloys are being investigated for biomedical applications. The development of new metallic alloys for biomedical applications is described in this paper.

Biomedical Titanium Alloy with Ultralow Elastic Modulus and High Strength

Ti2448 (Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn wt.%) is a metastable  type titanium alloy developed recently for biomedical applications. The alloy possesses good biomechanical compatibility with human bone, in terms of high strength and an elastic modulus approaching that of the hard tissue of human body, as well as biochemical compatibility since it contains only nontoxic alloying elements. Bone plates manufactured from the Ti2448 alloy has undergone clinical trials and an application for product permission has been submitted to FDA of China. We review briefly the methodology of alloy design and peculiar properties including pronounced nonlinear elasticity and localized plastic deformation. Variations of mechanical properties with processing scheme will be presented. The positive effects of improved elastic matching between implant and bone on healing fractured bone are demonstrated by new bone formation at intramedullary nails implanted in New Zealand white rabbits and bone plates implanted in Beagle dogs.