Novel laser surface texturing for improved primary stability of titanium implants

Abstract

Recently, the production of well-defined patterned surfaces with random or regular micro and nano-features has brought new opportunities for research and development in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Among advanced micro and nano processing technologies, laser surface texturing (LST) stands out due to its simplicity, flexibility, precision, reproducibility and relatively low cost.This work studies the development of patterned surfaces controlled by of LST into biomedical grade V titanium, Ti -6 Al -4 V-alloy. We present different cross-hatched micropatterns followed by the characterisation of surface morphology and topography. Structural integrity of the produced patterns is evaluated by friction tests against bone, mimicking the insertion of an implant. Wettability is studied as it is crucial for protein adsorption and cell adhesion. The results show that the surface topography obtained using different patterning plans influences the wetting behaviour and the coefficient of friction against bone.

Multi-Scale Surface Treatments of Titanium Implants for Rapid Osseointegration: A Review

“…Nowadays, the bonding strength between bone and titanium implants can be increased using an LST technique [ 60 , 77 , 113 ]. These LST techniques have revealed a great potential to optimize the surface properties of biomedical implants through forming periodic textured patterns [ 80 ].…”

Implant‐bone‐interface: Reviewing the impact of titanium surface modifications on osteogenic processes in vitro and in vivo

“…Moreover, in a stochastic manner, laser texturing automatically creates metal nanodroplets on the implant surface, thereby generating a nano-roughened topography with a foamy, roundly shaped nano-features. 53,54,51 To further enhance the bioactivity of a titanium implant surface, additional ion and molecular functionalization (Table 1) can be carried out with the goals of (1) eliminating proteins which would lead to attachment of unspecific cells, resulting in fibrotic tissue formation or bacterial adhesion; (2) boosting the adherence of desired cell types, that is, osteogenic progenitor cells and osteoblasts; (3) guiding responses of immune cells modulating inflammation during the process of bone healing. 12 The functionalization is based on the incorporation or binding of inorganic ions or molecules (e.g., magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and strontium (Sr)) and organic molecules (e.g., peptides, proteins and drugs).…”

Surface Treatment and Bioinspired Coating for 3D-Printed Implants

“…Surface roughness, topography, wettability, and chemical composition are crucial to stimulate biocompatibility at the cellular level and interfacial bonding to the metal substrate ( Tiainen et al, 2019 ). Surface roughness is an integral part of a material to allow bone and material interfacial bonding growth by interlocking cells to a material.…”

“…The use of LST technology has been recommended in recent years, especially within biomedical applications due to its swift speed process, high efficiency and flexibility, its ability to reduce wear and friction, better mechanical fixation, less contamination from unwanted direct contact, and low cost ( Earl et al, 2016 ; Grützmacher et al, 2019 ; Rosenkranz et al, 2019 ; Tiainen et al, 2019 ). In LST, the high-energy beam creates continuous melting and vaporization on the material, aiming at strengthening its tribological behavior ( Shivakoti et al, 2021 ).…”