OBJECTIVETo evaluate the structural characteristics and biocompatibility of a novel nano-Ta-Ti alloy rod for its potential application in internal fixation.

METHODSTa coating of a Ti alloy rod with nano-Ta (tantalum) powder was performed using laser melting with symmetrical grooves repleted with nano-Ta powder along the whole length. The microstructure of the cross section of Ta-Ti alloy rod, pore diameter and components of the coating were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The influence of this nano-Ta-Ti alloy on proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells was evaluated by MTT cytotoxicity test and ALP activity test.

RESULTSUnder scanning electron microscope, the Ta-coating surface presented with a gross porous (200-300 µm) structure with dense fusion between Ta particles, and no new element was produced after laser melting. Biocompatibility evaluation showed that Ti alloys with and without Ta coating both promoted the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, but the coated alloy showed better performance and obviously promoted the differentiation of the osteoblasts.

CONCLUSIONAlloying between Ta and Ti can be accomplished successfully by laser melting technique, and the alloy obtained has ideal surface structure and good biocompatibility.