OBJECTIVETo study the biocompatibility of Ti-24Nb-4Zr-7.9Sn (TNZS) ahoy treated with micro-arc oxidation (MAO).

METHODSThe tibia bones of New Zealand rabbits were used to build the animal model. TNZS and MAO-TNZS samples were implanted into one side of tibia, pure titanium samples were implanted into the other side as control. After 4 and 26 weeks, radiographs and HE staining technique was used to observe the dynamic remodeling process of bone-implant interface.

RESULTSAs the cure time increased, it was showed well biocompatibility of all implants. X-ray indicated that there was no permeable area produced around the three different materials at each time point. The density of bone matrix and arrangement of bone trabecula was almost the same as in the host bone. It was revealed by histological examination that the MAO-TNZS greatly prompted the bonding ability between implant and surrounding hard tissues. Four weeks after implantation, fine attachment was found at the bone-implant interface of all the implants and the fibrous tissue at the interface was gradually remodeled to form new bone. Twenty-six weeks later, MAO-TNZS showed that a biological fixation was created between bone and oxidation layer, while a layer of fibers formed between non-coated TNZS and titanium implants surrounding bone.

CONCLUSIONThe Ti-24Nb-4Zr-7.9Sn after treated with micro-arc oxidation shows good biocompatibility and can stimulate the bone growth in the bone-implant region, which provides support for clinical usage tests of TNZS alloy as implant after treated with micro-arc oxidation.