Bioactive porous titanium: an alternative to surgical implants

Artif Organs. 2008 Apr;32(4):277-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1594.2008.00543.x.

Abstract

Porous titanium implants have been used to improve implant-bone attachment by the ingrowth of bone tissue within the porous structure. Despite the efficient bone adhesion of porous titanium implants, chemical bonds are required at bone-implant interface. These implants can become bioactive by a biomimetic precipitation process. The aim of this work was to enhance the bioactivity of pure porous titanium implants by biomimetic process. The samples immersed in a simulated body fluid promoted the nucleation and growth of calcium phosphate (Ca-P) crystals, such as hydroxyapatite (Hap), on the material surface. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed that a Ca-P deposition occurred without the need of pretreatments to improve the surface bioactivity. This present study indicates the potential for growing a bone-like Hap layer on porous titanium implants by biomimetic processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetic Materials*
  • Biomimetics* / methods
  • Body Fluids / chemistry
  • Calcium Phosphates / chemistry
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible*
  • Crystallization
  • Durapatite / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Metallurgy
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Porosity
  • Powders
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Surface Properties
  • Titanium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Calcium Phosphates
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Powders
  • Durapatite
  • Titanium