Enhancing biocompatibility of Co-Cr alloy implants via electrical discharge process.

With increasing popularity of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) method upon part manufacturing precision with tailorable surface properties; the assessment of EDM process was therefore carried out concerning the surface alteration of medical grade Co-Cr alloy biomaterials. The samples surface were EDMed at different spark energy levels by varying current and On-time to investigate the surface characteristics, and it's biological responses. MTT assay and cytocompatibility test were conducted to examine the in-vitro biocompatibility confirming the higher competent cell viability and proficient RBC lysis for the surface treated with spark energy ranging from 960J-1500J.  Here the experimental results revealed that application of low-current (5 A) and high  On-time (200 µs) favors the synthesis of high-quality biocompatible substrates. Thus, surface modification of Co-Cr implants using EDM can be considered as a promising method for improving surface properties essential for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]