In vivo cytotoxic evaluation of Ti-Ni-Fe shape memory alloys.

A series of Ti based shape memory alloys with composition of Ti50Ni48Fe2, Ti50Ni47Fe3 and Ti50Ni45Fe5 were developed by vacuum arc melting under a purified argon atmosphere. The study was designed to evaluate in vivo cytotoxicity of the Ti-Ni-Fe shape memory alloy system. The materials were implanted in rabbits, and blood examination and histology of various vital organs (liver, heart and kidney) were performed to determine cytotoxicity of these alloy systems, if any, after 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The results showed that Ti-Ni-Fe alloy neither was cytotoxic nor has any systemic reaction on living system in any of the test performed. Implantation shows good compatibility and a potential of being used directly in in vivo system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]