Preparation and characterization of porous Ti6Al4V/alginate hybrid implant by combination of electron beam melting and freeze-drying

The metallic scaffolds show the pore size that is too large relative to the seeded cells and present unfavorable conditions for initial cell attachment. To overcome these problems, we developed a novel hybrid implant consisting of porous Ti6Al4V part and alginate sponge using a combination of electron beam melting and freeze-drying. The mechanical properties of porous Ti6Al4V part were examined using compressive tests. The ultimate strength and Young's modulus were 83.8 ± 4.2 MPa and 1.13 ± 0.04 GPa, respectively. The morphological properties of hybrid implant were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The pores (pore size around 750 μm) in Ti6Al4V part were found to be fully filled with alginate sponge (the average pore size: 150 μm). Osteoblastic cells were utilized to evaluate the cell seeding efficiency of the hybrid implant. The results revealed that seeding efficiency of the hybrid implant is up to 72%. The hybrid implant could be a potential to improve initial cell attachment and thereby facilitate new bone formation and long term stability of implant.

► A novel hybrid implant consisting of Ti6Al4V part and alginate sponge was developed.
► The hybrid implant possesses good mechanical properties and highly porous structure.
► The cell seeding efficiency of hybrid implant was significantly improved.
► The hybrid implant can provide a better environment for bone formation in vitro/vivo.