Titanium–10 wt% 45S5 Bioglass nanocomposite for biomedical applications

In the present study, titanium–10 wt% 45S5 Bioglass nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by the combination of mechanical alloying and powder metallurgy process. The structure, mechanical and corrosion properties of this material were investigated. Microhardness test showed that the obtained material exhibits Vickers’ microhardness as high as 620 HV0.2, which is two times higher than that of a conventional microcrystalline titanium (225 HV0.2). Additionally, titanium–10 wt% of 45S5 Bioglass nanocomposites (ic = 1.20 × 10−7 A cm−2, Ec = −0.42 V vs. SCE) were more corrosion resistant than microcrystalline titanium (ic = 2.27 × 10−6 A cm−2, Ec = −0.36 V vs. SCE). The electrochemical treatment in phosphoric acid electrolyte results in porous surface, attractive for tissue fixing and growth. In vitro cytocompatibility of these materials was evaluated and compared with a conventional microcrystalline titanium, where normal human osteoblast (NHOst) cells from Cambrex (CC-2538) were cultured on the discs of the materials and cell growth was examined. On porous surface, the cells adhered with their whole surface to the insert penetrating the porous structure, while on the polished surface, more spherical cells were observed with a smaller surface of adhesion. On the other hand, the morphology of the cell cultures obtained on Ti–10 wt% 45S5 Bioglass nanocomposite was similar to those obtained on the microcrystalline titanium. The present study has demonstrated that porous titanium–10 wt% 45S5 Bioglass nanocomposite is a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering due to its appropriate microstructure, high hardness, low E modulus, better corrosion resistance and good cytocompatibility.

► High hardness, low E modulus, better corrosion resistance and good cytocompatibility.
► The cells penetrating the porous structure.
► On the polished surface, more spherical cells were observed.
► Ti–10 wt% 45S5 Bioglass nanocomposite is a promising biomaterial.