Reduced toxicity and superior cellular response of preosteoblasts to Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy and comparison with Ti-6Al-4V.
There are serious concerns on the toxicity of vanadium in Ti-6Al-4V alloy. In this regard, we describe the biological footprint of Ti-6Al-4V and compare with a viable alternate Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy, in terms of novel experimentation pertaining to cellular activity that include qualitative and quantitative analysis of Feret's diameter of cells, area, and perimeter, and proteins-actin, vinculin, and fibronectin. Interestingly, Ti-6Al-7Nb was characterized by superior cell attachment, proliferation, viability, morphology, and spread, which were significantly different from Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Additionally, immunofluorescence studies demonstrated stronger vinculin signals associated with actin stress fibers in the outer regions of the cells and cellular extensions in Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy. These striking observations suggest enhanced cell-substrate interaction and activity on the surface of niobium-containing titanium alloy. The significant differences in the cellular response between the two alloys clearly point to the determining role of alloying element (Nb versus V) in a conclusive manner. Based on this study, next generation of titanium alloys is proposed to focus on niobium-containing alloy.
Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering Research Laboratory, Center for Structural and Functional Materials, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P.O. Box 44130, Lafayette, Louisiana 70504, USA.
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D016475:3T3 Cells; D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D000497:Alloys / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D008422:Materials Testing; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013499:Surface Properties; D013778:Tetrazolium Salts; D013844:Thiazoles; D014025:Titanium / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity*; D016596:Vinculin / Q000378:metabolism
D000199:Actins; D000497:Alloys; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005353:Fibronectins; D013778:Tetrazolium Salts; D013844:Thiazoles; C070282:Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy; D016596:Vinculin; C031462:titanium alloy (TiAl6V4); D014025:Titanium; C022616:thiazolyl blue