Open-Cell Tizr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass Scaffolds with Excellent Biocompatibility and Suitable Mechanical Properties for Biomedical Application

Abstract

A series of biocompatible high-porosity (up to 72.4%) TiZr-based porous bulk metallic glass (BMG) scaffolds were successfully fabricated by hot pressing a mixture of toxic element-free TiZr-based BMG powder and an Al particle space holder. The morphology of the fabricated scaffolds was similar to that of human bones, with pore sizes ranging from 75 to 250 μm. X-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy images indicated that the amorphous structure of the TiZr-based BMG scaffolds remained in the amorphous state after hot pressing. Noncytotoxicity and extracellular calcium deposition of the TiZr-based BMG scaffolds at porosities of 32.8%, 48.8%, and 64.0% were examined by using the direct contact method. The results showed that the BMG scaffolds possess high cell viability and extracellular calcium deposition with average cell survival and deposition rates of approximately 170.1% and 130.9%, respectively. In addition, the resulting TiZr-based BMG scaffolds exhibited a considerable reduction in Young’s moduli from 56.4 to 2.3 GPa, compressive strength from 979 to 19 MPa, and bending strength from 157 MPa to 49 MPa when the porosity was gradually increased from 2.0% to 72.4%. Based on the aforementioned specific characteristics, TiZr-based BMG scaffolds can be considered as potential candidates for biomedical applications in the human body.

Using Cu as a Spacer to Fabricate and Control the Porosity of Titanium Zirconium Based Bulk Metallic Glass Foams for Orthopedic Implant Applications

“…The parameters of the hot press process in sintering include the hot press temperature, holding time, and pressure. Under the same hot press temperature, holding time, and pressure, the high thermal conductivity of materials presented a stronger bonding interface between the particles and mechanical properties [ 13 , 14 , 26 ]. In other words, a material with a higher thermal conductivity would require a lower hot press temperature and holding time to fabricate a material with a uniform structure.…”

“… , , , and are dependent on the bonding-force interface between amorphous metallic glass particles and the structure of porous samples. Our previous study reported that the , , and of Ti 42 Zr 35 Ta 3 Si 5 Co 12.5 Sn 2.5 BMG foams were approximately 112 GPa, 1342 MPa, and 6.08 g/cm 3 , respectively [ 13 ].…”

“…Titanium zirconium (TiZr)-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) has recently attracted attention for its suitability in biomedical applications because of its more favorable biocompatibility, corrosion behavior, and mechanical properties compared with those of TiZr-based metallic materials. TiZr-based BMG has demonstrated excellent biocompatibility not only in in vitro studies but also in in vivo trials with osteoinduction and without local inflammation [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

“…For the fabrication of porous TiZr-based BMG foams, adding spacer into the matrix powders for hot pressing is an easy way of fabricating the foam material. Nguyen et al have successfully fabricated TiZr-based BMG foams by using different volume percentages of NaCl and Al spacers [ 13 , 14 ]. In this study, we used Cu spacer to fabricate porous Ti 42 Zr 35 Ta 3 Si 5 Co 12.5 Sn 2.5 BMG foam by using the hot press method.…”

"Effect of Spacer on the Fabrication and Properties of TiZr-Based BMG Foams for Bio-Implant Applications"

“…Some studies show that adding the Zr element in TiZr-based BMG alloy can make GFA increased without reducing other properties [12][13][14]. Our previous studies [15][16] reported biocompatible TiZr-based BMGFs with the composition of Ti 42 Zr 35 Si 5 Ta 3 Co 12.5 Sn 2.5 were fabricated by the hot-pressing method. The spacer holder method was selected for fabricating bulk samples and then removed to generate porous samples.…”