Initial cytotoxicity of novel titanium alloys.
We assessed the biological response to several novel titanium alloys that have promising physical properties for biomedical applications. Four commercial titanium alloys [Super-TIX(R) 800, Super-TIX(R) 51AF, TIMETAL(R) 21SRx, and Ti-6Al-4V (ASTM grade 5)] and three experimental titanium alloys [Ti-13Cr-3Cu, Ti-1.5Si and Ti-1.5Si-5Cu] were tested. Specimens (n = 6; 5.0 x 5.0 x 3.0 mm(3)) were cast in a centrifugal casting machine using a MgO-based investment and polished to 600 grit, removing 250 mum from each surface. Commercially pure titanium (CP Ti: ASTM grade 2) and Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) were used as positive controls. The specimens were cleaned and disinfected, and then each cleaned specimen was placed in direct contact with Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts for 72 h. The cytotoxicity [succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) activity] of the extracts was assessed using the MTT method. Cytotoxicity of the metals tested was not statistically different compared to the CP Ti and Teflon controls (p > 0.05). These novel titanium alloys pose cytotoxic risks no greater than many other commonly used alloys, including commercially pure titanium. The promising short-term biocompatibility of these Ti alloys is probably due to their excellent corrosion resistance under static conditions, even in biological environments.
Koike
M
M
Department of Biomaterials Science, Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. mkoike@bcd.tamhsc.edu
Lockwood
P E
PE
Wataha
J C
JC
Okabe
T
T
D000497:Alloys / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D041702:BALB 3T3 Cells; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000633:toxicity*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects*; D008422:Materials Testing; D051379:Mice; D014025:Titanium / Q000633:toxicity*
D000497:Alloys; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D014025:Titanium