Corrosion and Immune Response of Advanced Titanium Alloys In Biological Environments

The study of implant materials and their interactions with the human body is not only important but increasingly urgent as the world population ages rapidly with attendant health issues such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.  Titanium alloys have been used for implant applications due to their favorable combination of biocompatibility and mechanical properties.  One of the important issues that continue to be of interest in the field is the response of bone cells to alloy surfaces.  In this study, an interdisciplinary approach was utilized to study the corrosion and immune response of advanced titanium alloys.  Titanium alloys containing boron were electrochemically characterized in a range of biological media including Ringer’s and Hank’s solutions.  Control samples of commercially pure titanium and Ti-6 Al – 4 V were also studied.  The post-test surfaces were examined using optical, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy.  We will report on these studies and also discuss the cellular inflammatory response to these titanium alloy surfaces.