Cytotoxicity of Ni from Surface-Treated Porous Nitinol (PNT) on Osteoblast Cells

The leaching of nickel from the surface of porous Nitinol (PNT) is mainly dependent on its surface characteristics, which can be controlled by appropriate surface treatments. In this investigation, PNT was subjected to two surface treatments, namely, water-boiling and dry-heating passivations. Phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solutions obtained from cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests on PNT were employed to assess the cytotoxicity of Ni contained therein on osteoblast cells by Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. In addition, similar concentrations of Ni were added exogenously to cell culture media to determine cytotoxic effects on osteoblast cells. The morphologies of the untreated and the surface-treated PNTs were examined using SEM and AFM. Furthermore, growth of human osteoblast cells was observed on the PNT surfaces.

Effect of Manufacturing Process on the Biocompatibility and Mechanical Properties of Ti-30Ta Alloy

Ti alloys have been widely used in the aerospace, chemical, and biomedical industries for their high strength/weight ratio and corrosion resistance. However, Nitinol's usage in the latter industry has been fraught with concerns of allergic and toxic effects of Ni released from implants. Recently, much attention has been placed on the development of Ni-free Ti-Ta alloys, which are considered prime candidates for applications such as metal-on-metal spinal disk replacements, orthopedic implants, cardiovascular stents, dental posts, and guide wires. In this research, the biocompatibility of Ti-30Ta alloys manufactured by powder metallurgy (PM) and arc melting (ARC) were investigated. The corrosion resistance of each alloy was determined in accordance with ASTM F 2129-08 in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and PBS with amino acids at 37 °C. The concentration of metal ions released during corrosion was measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the morphology of the alloys before and after corrosion. Vicker's hardness tests were performed to compare the hardness and tensile strength of the alloys. Human osteoblast cells were successfully grown on the surface of both alloys.

Cytotoxicity of Metal Ions Released from Nitinol Alloys on Endothelial Cells

Most implantable medical devices are expected to function in the body over an extended period of time. Therefore, immersion tests under simulated conditions can be useful for assessing the amount of metal ions released in situ. In this investigation, dissolved ions from as-received binary and ternary Nitinol alloys in cell culture media were periodically measured under static and dynamic conditions. Endothelial cells were grown in aliquots of culture media obtained and the effect of dissolved ions on cell proliferation and viability of endothelial cells (HUVEC) was studied by cytotoxicity assays. The concentration of metal ions in the media was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.