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PubMed2001

Histologic study of the bone adjacent to titanium bone screws used for mandibular fracture treatment.

PURPOSE: Titanium miniplates have been widely used in mandibular fracture fixation because of their strength and excellent biocompatibility. However, the condition of the bone adjacent to titanium bone screws has not been clarified. This study histologically examined the bone-screw interface in patients treated for mandibular fractures. PATIENTS AND MATERIALS: Specimens were obtained from 14 patients, and the undecalcified sections were stained by the toluidine blue and Levai Laczko methods and examined with light microscopy. The mean ratio of direct contact between the bone and the titanium bone screw surface was also analyzed using a computer-aided image analyzer. RESULTS: The formation of new bone was observed around the titanium bone screws in all cases. In areas of cortical bone, partial interposition of soft tissues was rarely observed. However, in areas of cancellous bone, partial interposition of soft tissues was seen, and bone resorption between the bone and soft tissues was noted. The mean ratio of direct contact between all of the adjacent bone and the surface of the titanium bone screws was 64.4%. The mean ratio of direct contact between cortical bone and the titanium bone screws was 82.4%. Black particles were observed in the bone and soft tissues around the titanium bone screws, and multinuclear giant cells resembling macrophages were observed near these particles. CONCLUSION: Titanium bone screws used for mandibular fracture fixation develop almost complete contact with new bone. Some metalosis is present.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

A comparison of stainless steel and nickel-titanium H-type instruments of identical design: torsional and bending tests.

OBJECTIVE: For a true comparison of clinically relevant qualities of instruments manufactured from different alloys, the instrument must be identical in design. The purpose of this study was to perform mechanical tests on stainless steel and nickel-titanium instruments of identical design. STUDY DESIGN: Identical experimental endodontic files of H-type with double helix were fabricated from stainless steel and nickel-titanium alloys. Torsional and bending tests were carried out according to American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association specification No. 58 and International Standards Organization No. 3630/1. Changes in instruments during the testing were also analyzed with scanning electron microscope technique. RESULTS: The results indicated that the torsional moment of the stainless steel files was significantly higher than for the nickel-titanium files (P <.001), whereas the mean angular deflection for the nickel-titanium files was significantly higher. The mean bending moment for the nickel-titanium files was significantly lower (P <.001) than the mean value for the stainless steel files. The scanning electron microscope demonstrated that the fracture surfaces of the stainless steel files were brittle, whereas the nickel-titanium files had a ductile fracture. CONCLUSIONS: When the design of endodontic instruments of different alloys is identical, the nickel-titanium files are more flexible in bending. However, nickel-titanium files require less force to deform to fracture.

Dental Alloys↗

PubMed2001

In vitro testing of the bond between soft materials used for maxillofacial prostheses and cast titanium.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The choice of soft materials for maxillofacial prostheses is important for covering extraoral defects after tumor surgery or radiation therapy. The use of cast commercially pure titanium as reinforcement seems to be a suitable option. PURPOSE: Making use of the advantages of titanium frameworks for maxillofacial prostheses requires exploring ways of combining it with soft materials. This study investigated such combinations and evaluated discoloration of the soft material to determine whether it was attributable to the titanium reinforcement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five soft materials used for maxillofacial prostheses and their bond strengths to cast titanium were tested. Different ways of conditioning the titanium surface and different adhesives were used. Plain mechanical retention was also studied. The Gretag SPM 100 was used to determine the potential effects on coloring after 24 hours of radiation in the Suntest rapid exposure unit. RESULTS: Suitable material combinations for bonding soft materials to titanium were found for all soft materials studied. Bond strength varied depending on the chemical basis of the soft material. Results indicated that maximal bond strengths were obtained by the combinations Supersoft with Super-Bond, Supersoft with subsequent silicoating, and bonding with Dentacolor connector. Few color shifts attributable to the titanium reinforcement were evident in the 2-mm layers of the soft materials applied. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that it is possible to combine a titanium framework and soft silicone materials.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Biodegradation of titanium implants after long-time insertion used for the treatment of fractured upper and lower jaws through osteosynthesis: element analysis by electron microscopy and EDX or EELS.

Twelve patients underwent an osteosynthesis with titanium to treat upper and lower jaw fractures. Six to 12 months later, the miniplates were removed. Tissue samples were analyzed by light and electron microscopy for detection of a metallosis. The analysis showed new bone formation like callus tissue around the miniplates. In some cases small, rounded deposits and accumulation of colloid-like particles located next to bigger titanium artifacts were detected in the cytoplasm of histiocytes and in the matrix of connective tissue. The titanium was identified by elemental analysis using EDX in SEM as well as by EELS and electron diffraction in TEM. Both kinds of particles contain titanium, but they seem to be different in composition and derivation. The bigger particles seem to consist of metallic titanium and sourced by working on the metallic implants during the implantation itself. On the other hand, the colloidal-like, small, rounded particles in tissue macrophages and outside the cells in the matrix of connective tissue are presumably of other origin; for example, they could be derived from biodegradation and chemical conversion of the metallic implants. The titanium miniplates were examined before and after implantation by using ESCA technique and revealed metallic titanium and different compositions with other elements. The amount of titanium load of the tissue was very low in most cases and presumably not of biomedical relevance.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2000

A new titanium peg system for hydroxyapatite orbital implants.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a new hydroxyapatite-coated titanium sleeve and titanium peg system for HA orbital implants. METHODS: The authors followed 54 patients receiving an HA-coated titanium sleeve and peg system and analyzed the complications associated with this peg system. The following data were recorded: type of surgery performed, size of implant used, type of HA used, time of pegging, follow-up duration, problems encountered, and treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients received the HA-coated titanium peg and sleeve system. The average duration of follow-up was 15 months (range, 3-30 months). Three patients were lost to follow-up after 1 month. Complications associated with peg placement in 54 patients included: discharge (9.2%), pyogenic granulomas (14.8%), peg falling out during prosthesis removal (9.2%), poor transfer of movement (1.8%), clicking (3.7%), conjunctiva overgrowing peg (1.8%), part of sleeve shaft visible (9.2%), peg drilled on an angle (1.8%), HA visible around peg hole (3.7%), and loose sleeve (3.7%). CONCLUSION: The HA-coated titanium sleeve and titanium peg is a new peg system available for HA orbital implants. Many of the complications associated with this peg system are similar to the commonly used polycarbonate peg system. Pyogenic granulomas and discharge, however, appear to be less frequently encountered with this new system. The HA-coated titanium sleeve and titanium pegs were well tolerated and appeared quieter in the socket than most polycarbonate pegs.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Ossicular chain reconstruction: titanium versus plastipore.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the complication rate and hearing results of a new, lightweight, titanium ossicular replacement prosthesis with Plastipore prostheses (Xomed, Jacksonville, FL). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. METHODS: Charts were reviewed for type of operation, type of prosthesis used, extrusion rate, prostheses failure rate, and hearing thresholds at multiple frequencies and at multiple follow-up points. The dependant variable for hearing results was the four-frequency average air-bone gap. RESULTS: There were 84 patients undergoing tympanoplasty with the Plastipore prosthesis and 53 with the titanium. There was one extrusion in the titanium group. There was an additional single incidence of prosthesis failure in the titanium group. Overall hearing results were comparable with an air-bone gap average of 19.3 dB in the Plastipore group compared with the titanium group with an air-bone gap of 22.0 dB (P =.08). Sixty percent of patients had a postoperative air-bone gap of 20 dB or less in the Plastipore group. In the titanium group, 45.3% achieved a 20 dB or less postoperative air-bone gap. Plastipore had a lower air-bone gap than the titanium when a canal wall up operation was performed (17.8 vs. 23.9 dB) and tended toward a lower air-bone gap when a total ossicular prosthesis was needed (22 vs. 27 dB) (P <.07). CONCLUSION: The titanium prosthesis is a new ossicular replacement prosthesis that provides excellent visualization during insertion and provides hearing results that are comparable with Plastipore. The Plastipore prosthesis performed better in canal wall up mastoidectomy situations and tended toward better performance when a total ossicular replacement prosthesis was needed.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

A pilot study on the percutaneous absorption of microfine titanium dioxide from sunscreens.

Many Australians are being advised to apply microfine titanium dioxide sunscreen daily from the cradle to the grave. However, there is a surprising lack of data on the percutaneous absorption of microfine titanium dioxide. A prospective pilot study was conducted to analyse the percutaneous absorption of microfine titanium dioxide from sunscreens. Selected patients scheduled to have skin surgery, applied titanium dioxide sunscreen to the skin daily for 2-6 weeks prior to their operation. After excision, the stratum corneum of the sample was stripped and the titanium concentration of the remaining epidermis and dermis was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The results from this pilot study showed that levels of titanium in the epidermis and dermis of subjects who applied microfine titanium dioxide to their skin were higher than the levels of titanium found in controls. Studies with larger cohorts are necessary to establish if this absorption is statistically significant.

Absorption↗

PubMed2006

Fast element mapping of titanium wear around implants of different surface structures.

The effect of unintended titanium release around oral implants remains a biological concern. The current study was undertaken to evaluate a new detection system of element mapping in biological probes. A new scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy detection method was used to map the features of titanium contamination in peri-implant bone around implants with different surface structures. The amount of titanium wear was highest adjacent to titanium-plasma-sprayed surfaces, followed by sandblastered large grid acid-etched and smooth surfaces. A high sensitivity of titanium detection over large areas of bone tissue was observed. A high spatial resolution of titanium wear particles (20 nm) could be reached and correlated to the ultrastructural morphological features of peri-implant tissue. Cells adjacent to titanium wear revealed no signs of morphological alterations on a nanoscale level at early periods of implant/bone interaction. The new technique may serve as a fast and effective tool to evaluate titanium release effects in biological probes.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed1994

Immunolocalization of fibronectin and vitronectin receptors in human gingival fibroblasts spreading on titanium surfaces.

The adhesion and spreading of human gingival fibroblasts on glass and differently processed titanium surfaces was studied by immunolocalization of vinculin and the alpha and beta subunits of the fibronectin (alpha 5 beta 1) and (alpha v beta 3) receptors. Vinculin-containing focal contacts were present both at 4 and 24 h of spreading in cells grown on glass or electropolished or etched titanium surfaces but not in cells spreading on sandblasted titanium surfaces. Immunostaining for the alpha 5 and beta 1 subunits of the fibronectin receptor showed only a diffuse membrane fluorescence after 4 h of cell spreading irrespective of the growth surface. The alpha v and beta 3 subunits of the vitronectin receptor were at this stage detected in focal contacts in cells spreading on glass or electropolished or etched titanium surfaces. In cells spreading on sandblasted titanium surfaces, however, the vitronectin receptor had only a diffuse distribution. In cells that had been allowed to spread for 24 h on glass or electropolished or etched titanium surfaces the alpha 5 and beta 1 integrin subunits were either diffusely distributed or showed a localization typical of extracellular matrix contacts. The alpha v and beta 3 integrin subunits were, as earlier, localized to typical focal contacts in cells grown on glass or electropolished or etched titanium surfaces. Cells attached to sandblasted titanium surfaces still expressed all the integrin subunits only diffusely. The results show that the surface texture of the substratum can affect the expression of integrin subunits in human gingival fibroblasts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cell Adhesion↗

PubMed2006

Clinical experiences with laser-welded titanium frameworks supported by implants in the edentulous mandible: a 10-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Long-term follow-up studies for more than 5 years are not available on laser-welded titanium frameworks. PURPOSE: To report and compare 10-year data on implant-supported prostheses in the edentulous mandible provided with laser-welded titanium frameworks and conventional gold alloy frameworks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Altogether, 155 patients were consecutively treated with prostheses at abutment level with two generations of fixed laser-welded titanium frameworks (test groups). A control group of 53 randomly selected patients with conventional gold alloy castings was used for comparison. Clinical and radiographic 10-year data were collected for the three groups. RESULTS: All patients followed-up for 10 years (n=112) still had fixed prostheses in the mandible (cumulative success rate [CSR] 100%). The overall 10-year cumulative success rate (CSR) was 92.8 and 100.0% for titanium and gold alloy frameworks, respectively. Ten-year implant cumulative survival rate (CSR) was 99.4 and 99.6% for the test and control groups, respectively. Average 10-year bone loss was 0.56 (SD 0.45) mm for the titanium group and 0.77 (SD 0.36) mm for the control group (p < 0.05). The most common complications for titanium frameworks were resin or veneer fractures, soft tissue inflammation, and fractures (12.9%) of the metal frame. Loose and fractured implant screw components were below 3%. CONCLUSION: Excellent overall long-term results with 100% CSR could be achieved with the present treatment modality. Fractures of the metal frames and remade prostheses were more common for the laser-welded titanium frameworks, and the first generation of titanium frameworks worked poorly when compared with gold alloy frameworks during 10 years (p < 0.05). However, on average more bone loss was observed for implants supporting gold alloy frameworks during 10 years. The reasons for this difference are not clear.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

A study of titanium release into body organs following the insertion of single threaded screw implants into the mandibles of sheep.

BACKGROUND: Titanium is generally considered a safe metal to use in implantation but some studies have suggested that particulate titanium may cause health problems either at the site overlying the implant or in distant organs, particularly after frictional wear of a medical prosthesis. It was the purpose of this investigation to study the levels of dissemination of titanium from threaded screw type implants following placement of single implants in sheep mandibles. METHOD: Twelve sheep were implanted with a single 10x3.75mm self-tapping implant for time intervals of one, four and eight to 12 weeks. Four unoperated sheep served as controls. Regional lymph nodes, lungs, spleens and livers were dissected, frozen and subsequently analysed by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. RESULTS: Results associated with successful implants showed no statistically significant different levels of titanium in any organ compared to controls, although some minor elevations in titanium levels within the lungs and regional lymph nodes were noted. Two implants failed to integrate and these showed higher levels of titanium in the lungs (2.2-3.8 times the mean of the controls) and regional lymph nodes (7-9.4 times the levels in controls). CONCLUSIONS: Debris from a single implant insertion is at such a low level that it is unlikely to pose a health problem. Even though the number of failed implants was low, multiple failed implants may result in considerably more titanium release which can track through the regional lymph nodes. Results suggest that sheep would be an excellent model for following biological changes associated with successful and failed implants and the effect this may have on titanium release.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Radiopacity and physical properties of titanium-polymethacrylate composite.

Titanium-polymethacrylate composite was prepared as an x-ray-opaque filler for composite core materials. The base monomers of the composite were 2,2-bis [4-(3-methacryloyloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy) phenyl] propane (Bis-GMA) and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). Pure titanium powder was used as a radiopaque element. Two functional methacrylates--isopropyl dimethacryloyl isostearoyl titanate (KR-7) and 4-methacryloyloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride (4-META)--were adopted as couplers of titanium powder. The radiopacity of composites was determined in terms of their equivalent thickness of aluminum per unit thickness of material. Compressive and transverse strengths of the composites were measured by use of coupled and untreated titanium fillers. The composites that contained 70% and 80% titanium by weight showed more radiopacity than enamel and less than amalgam. Radiopacity was controlled by the content of titanium filler in the composite. The decrease in compressive and transverse strengths of the composites was 0.7 to 15.9% and 43.7 to 52.9%, respectively, after one year's immersion in water. The decrease in transverse strength was remarkable; however, this deterioration was diminished by use of both KR-7 and 4-META as couplers for titanium. Thus, prepared titanium-polymethacrylate composite may be used as a radiopaque composite filler for self-curing composite core materials.

Composite Resins↗

PubMed2006

Improved neo-endothelialization of small diameter ePTFE grafts with titanium coating.

BACKGROUND: Patency of small synthetic bypass grafts is inferior compared to autologous grafts for revascularization procedures. Titanium coating of foreign surfaces has shown to decrease thrombogenicity, enhance biocompatibility and promote adhesion of endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to test the effect of titanium coating of small diameter ePTFE grafts on short term patency, neo-endothelialization and neointimal proliferation. METHODS: Bilateral carotid graft interposition was performed in 5 pigs with uncoated (n=5) and titanium-coated (n=5) ePTFE grafts (internal diameter=4 mm, length=5 cm), thus each pig served as its own control. At the end of the study (30 +/- 3 days), patency and stenosis severity was assessed by carotid angiography. Animals were sacrificed and grafts were excised for histology and scanning electron microscopy. Morphometry of histologic sections was carried out to determine neointimal proliferation and percentage of neo-endothelial coverage. RESULTS: Patency rate was 80% for uncoated and titanium-coated grafts. Quantitative angiography did not show any significant difference in lumen size between two groups. Morphometry revealed a significantly higher cellular coverage with CD31 positive endothelial cells for titanium-coated (84 +/- 19%) than uncoated grafts (48 +/- 26%, p<0.001). There was a non significant trend (p=0.112) towards increased neointimal proliferation in titanium-coated (94 +/- 61 micron2/micron) compared to uncoated grafts (60 +/- 57 micron2/micron). CONCLUSIONS: Patency rate in uncoated and titanium-coated ePTFE grafts is similar at one month. However, titanium coated grafts show a significant improvement in neo-endothelialization compared to uncoated grafts.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Molecular and biomechanical characterization of mineralized tissue by dental pulp cells on titanium.

The application of implant therapy is still limited, because of various risk factors and the long healing time required for bone-titanium integration. This study explores the potential for osseointegration engineering with dental pulp cells (DPCs) by testing a hypothesis that DPCs generate mineralized tissue on titanium. DPCs extracted from rat incisors positive for CD44, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralizing capability were cultured on polystyrene and on machined and dual-acid-etched (DAE) titanium. Tissue cultured on titanium with a Ca/P ratio of 1.4 exhibited plate-like morphology, while that on the polystyrene exhibited fibrous and punctate structures. Tissues cultured on titanium were harder than those on polystyrene, 1.5 times on the machined and 3 times on the DAE. Collagen I, osteopontin, and osteocalcin genes were up-regulated on titanium, especially the DAE surface. In conclusion, DPCs showing some characteristics of the previously identified dental pulp stem cells can generate mineralized tissue on titanium via the osteoblastic phenotype, which can be enhanced by titanium surface roughness.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed2005

Fibroblasts express RANKL and support osteoclastogenesis in a COX-2-dependent manner after stimulation with titanium particles.

UNLABELLED: Synovial fibroblasts are possible mediators of osteolysis. Fibroblasts respond directly to titanium particles and increase RANKL expression through a COX-2/PGE2/EP4/PKA signaling pathway. Fibroblasts pretreated with titanium or PGE2 stimulated osteoclast formation, showing the functional importance of RANKL induction. Synovial fibroblasts and their activation pathways are potential targets to prevent osteolysis. INTRODUCTION: Bone loss adjacent to the implant is a major cause of joint arthroplasty failure. Although the cellular and molecular response to microscopic wear debris particles is recognized as causative, little is known concerning role of synovial fibroblasts in these events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Murine embryonic fibroblasts and knee synovial fibroblasts in culture stimulated with titanium particles were examined by FACS, real time RT-PCR, Northern blot, and Western blot for expressions of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)1, RANKL, cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, and COX-2, and the four prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor isoforms. Experiments were performed in the presence and absence of COX inhibitors, protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, and various EP receptor agonists. Osteoclast formation was examined in co-cultures of pretreated glutaraldehyde-fixed fibroblasts and primary murine spleen cells treated with macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) for 7-days. RESULTS: TNF-alpha stimulated VCAM1 expression, consistent with a synovial fibroblast phenotype. Titanium particles stimulated RANKL gene and protein expressions in fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Gene expression was increased 5-fold by 4 h, and protein levels reached a maximum after 48 h. Within 1 h, titanium particles also induced COX-2 mRNA and protein levels, whereas both indomethacin and celecoxib blocked the stimulation of RANKL, suggesting a COX-2-mediated event. Furthermore, PGE2 induced RANKL gene and protein expression and rescued RANKL expression in titanium-treated cultures containing COX-2 inhibitors. Fibroblast cultures pretreated with either PGE2 or titanium particles enhanced osteoclast formation, indicating the functional importance of RANKL induction. EP4 was the most abundant PGE2 receptor isoform, EP1 and EP2 were expressed at low levels, and EP3 was absent. The EP1 selective agonist iloprost and the EP2 selective agonist butaprost minimally stimulated RANKL. In contrast, the EP2 and EP4 agonist misoprostol induced RANKL to a magnitude similar to PGE2. Finally, PKA antagonism strongly repressed RANKL stimulation by PGE2. CONCLUSION: Fibroblasts respond directly to titanium particles and increase RANKL expression through a COX-2/PGE2/EP4/PKA signaling pathway. Thus, the synovial fibroblast is important mediator of osteolysis and target for therapeutic strategies.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Hydroxyapatite enhances long-term fixation of titanium implants.

The aim of this study was to evaluate osseous integration of hydroxyapatite coated titanium implants over time as compared to pure titanium. In 20 rats the medullary cavity of both femoral bones was entered by an awl from the trochanteric area. With steel burrs it was successively reamed to a diameter of 2.0 mm. Nails with a diameter of 2.0 mm and with a length of 34 mm were inserted into the medullary cavity; a pure titanium nail on the left side and a titanium nail entirely plasma-sprayed with hydroxyapatite (HA) on the right side. The surface roughness of the pure titanium was characterized by Ra 2.6 microm and Rt 22 microm, and HA had a roughness of Ra 7.5 (arithmetical mean roughness) microm and Rt (maximum profile height) 52 microm. The rats were randomized to a follow-up of 6 and 12 months, respectively. At sacrifice the femoral bones were dissected free from soft tissues. The bones were radiographed and then immersed in fixative. A specimen-slice of about 5 mm thickness was prepared from the region under the trochanter minor with a water cooled band-saw. Sample preparation for undecalcified tissue followed the internal guidelines at the laboratories of Biomaterials/Handicap Research. At 6 months the median bone bonding contact of the implants was 40% (range 0-92) in the titanium group and 34% (0-86) in the HA group. At 12 months the median bone bonding contact was 51% (0-97) in the titanium group and 86% (72-98) in the HA group. In conclusion, we found a significant (p = 0.001) increase in bone bonding contact from 6 to 12 months of the HA coated nails and significantly (p = 0.043) enhanced bone bonding contact in HA coated nails at 12 months as compared to pure titanium nails.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Titanium penetration in human enamel after TiF4 application.

The TiF4 application produces a titanium coating on enamel surface, reducing solubility in presence of cariogenic challenge. However, it is not established if this titanium also penetrates inside the enamel. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the presence of this superficial coat and titanium penetration into human sound and decayed enamel after TiF4 application. Twenty-four unerupted third molars were mesiodistally cut and divided into two groups (GA--sound and GB--artificial decayed). After a 4% TiF4 application, each sample was fractured longitudinally (occlusal-cervical). Through microprobe analysis with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), titanium penetration could be observed inside the enamel. The McNemar test (p=0.267) showed that there was no difference between the groups analyzed regarding to titanium penetration, although in group A the titanium penetrated more deeply (Wilcoxon test, p=0.047). It could be concluded that there was no difference between the groups regarding the titanium penetration, but titanium penetrated more deeply into sound enamel compared to artificially decayed enamel.

Cariostatic Agents↗

PubMed2004

In vitro biocompatibility of a new titanium-29niobium-13tantalum-4.6zirconium alloy with osteoblast-like MG63 cells.

BACKGROUND: Titanium-29niobium-13tantalum-4.6zirconium (TiNb) has recently been developed as a new implant material. TiNb is composed of non-toxic elements and has a lower modulus of elasticity than the other titanium alloys. However, its biocompatibility has not been adequately characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of TiNb using an osteoblast-titanium co-culture system. METHODS: MG63 cells were cultured on three kinds of titanium disks: TiNb, pure titanium (pTi), and titanium-6aluminum-4vanadium (TiAl), prepared with two different surfaces, a polished and acid-etched surface and a machined-grooved surface. The surface topography and roughness were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 48 hours culture, the number of proliferating cells and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in the culture supernatant were determined. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in surface roughness among the three titanium disks with a polished and acid-etched surface. After 48 hours of culture, the number of cells was significantly reduced on pTi and TiAl compared to TiNb and the control. PGE2 production was significantly higher on pTi than on TiAl, TiNb, and the control. We further examined the effect of surface roughness on PGE2 production using machine-grooved titanium disks. While pTi and TiAl stimulated the production of PGE2 depending on surface roughness, roughened TiNb did not affect PGE2 production. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that TiNb may exhibit favorable biocompatibility because it has an efficient surface topography for cell proliferation, and the level of PGE2 production does not depend on surface roughness. We conclude that TiNb may be useful as an implant material.

Alloys↗