Laser surface textured titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) - Part II - Studies on bio-compatibility

The present study concerns a detailed understanding of wear, corrosion and bio-activity behaviors of laser surface textured titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) with line and dimple geometry developed by ArF excimer laser at a wavelength of 193 nm with a pulse length of 5 ns. The mechanical properties of the surface have been evaluated by measuring nano-hardness and wear resistance. The corrosion resistance property has also been evaluated in Hank's solution. The effect of laser surface texturing on bioactivity and cell attachment has also been studied. Laser surface texturing led to an increase in nano-hardness to a value of 4-6 GPa as compared to 2 GPa of the as-received Ti-6Al-4V. Furthermore, laser modified surfaces showed a significant increase in wear resistance and a marginal change in corrosion resistance. Textured surface shows a significant improvement in bioactivity in terms of calcium phosphate deposition rate in Hank's solution. XTT result shows, comparable cell viability of laser textured Ti-6Al-4V as that of as received Ti-alloy. Cell attachment study shows a reduced cell density in textured surface with a maximum reduction in dimple textured surface. Cells aligned themselves along the direction of texturing in linear textured surface.