Evaluation of In Vivo Biocompatibility in Preclinical Studies of a Finger Implant Medical Device Correlated with Mechanical Properties and Microstructure.

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the biocompatibility of four 3D-printed biomaterials planned for use in the surgical treatment of finger amputees: Ti-6Al-4 V (Ti64), ZrO2-Al2O3 ceramic material (ATZ20), and osteoconductive (anodized Ti64) and antibacterial (Hydroxyapatite, HAp) coatings that adhere well to materials dedicated to finger bone implants. The work concerns the correlation of mechanical, microstructural, and biological properties of dedicated materials. Biological tests consisted of determining the overall cytotoxicity of the organism on the basis of in vivo tests carried out in accordance with the ISO 10993-6 and ISO 10993-11 standards. Clinical observations followed by diagnostic examinations, histopathological evaluation, and biochemical characterization showed no significant differences between control and tested groups of animals. The wound healed without complication, and no pathological effects were found. The wear test showed the fragility of the hydroxyapatite thin layer and the mechanical stability of the zirconia-based ceramic substrate. Electron microscopy observations revealed the layered structure of tested substrates and coatings.

Modern methods of surface modification for new-generation titanium alloys.

The constantly growing need for the use of implants in osteotomy is mainly due to the aging population and the need for long-term use of this type of biomaterials. Improving implant materials requires the selection of appropriate functional properties. Currently used titanium (Ti) alloys, such as Ti6Al4V and Ti6Al7Nb, are being replaced by materials with better biocompatibility, such as vanadium (V) or niobium (Nb), allowing for creation of the so-called new generation alloys. These new alloys, with the incorporation of zirconium (Zr), iron, and tantalum, possess Young's modulus close to that of a bone, which further improves the improves the biomaterial's. biocompatibility. This article describes the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method and its possible applications in the new generation of titanium alloys for biomedical applications. Also, the exemplary results of tin oxide (SnO2) thin coatings deposited by ALD and physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods are presented. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties of a Ti13Nb13Zr alloy used for elements in the skeletal system. As the temperature and the number of cycles vary, the results demonstrate that the surface area of the samples changes. The uncoated Ti13Nb13Zr alloy exhibits hydrophilic properties. However, all coated specimens improve in this respect and provide improved clinical results. after the applied modification, the samples have a smaller contact angle, but still remain in the range of 0-90°, which makes it possible to conclude that their nature remains hydrophilic. Coating the specimens decreased the mineralization risk of postoperative complications. As a result, the biomaterials demonstrated improved effectiveness, decreased complication indicators, and improved patient well-being.