Biocompatibility and Cellular Behavior of TiNbTa Alloy with Adapted Rigidity for the Replacement of Bone Tissue

Abstract

In this work, the mechanical and bio-functional behavior of a TiNbTa alloy is evaluated as a potential prosthetic biomaterial used for cortical bone replacement. The results are compared with the reference Ti c.p. used as biomaterials for bone-replacement implants. The estimated mechanical behavior for TiNbTa foams was also compared with the experimental Ti c.p. foams fabricated by the authors in previous studies. A TiNbTa alloy with a 20–30% porosity could be a candidate for the replacement of cortical bone, while levels of 80% would allow the manufacture of implants for the replacement of trabecular bone tissue. Regarding biocompatibility, in vitro TiNbTa, cellular responses (osteoblast adhesion and proliferation) were compared with cell growth in Ti c.p. samples. Cell adhesion (presence of filopodia) and propagation were promoted. The TiNbTa samples had a bioactive response similar to that of Ti c.p. However, TiNbTa samples show a better balance of bio-functional behavior (promoting osseointegration) and biomechanical behavior (solving the stress-shielding phenomenon and guaranteeing mechanical resistance).