Titanium scaffolds fabricated by Direct Ink Writing and functionalized with dual-action coatings with osteoinductive and antibacterial properties

The stress shielding, a result of the stiffness mismatch between titanium and bone, the lack of bioactivity and the infections are the main cause of the implants failure. In this work, porous titanium structures (between 50 and 70%) were produced by direct ink writing, using a new Ti ink formulation. A water and thermal treatment was optimized to ensure the complete elimination of the binder before the sintering process. The samples were sintered in high vacuum at 1150 ºC.The stiffness and compressive strength were similar to those of cancellous bone. The functionalization of the scaffold surface with a thermochemical treatment that incorporates Ga ions resulted in Ga-containing calcium titanate layer that generate homogeneous apatite layer in simulated body fluid. The Ga3+ release promote the antibacterial effect against gram positive strains. SaOS-2 cells adhered and proliferated on the Ga-doped Ti surfaces; its presence contributes to cell differentiation and increases the mineralization. © European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA)
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