Surface functionalization in alloys of the Ti-25Ta-Nb system for biomedical applications

• Grant number: 22/15205-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Roberto Grandini
• Grantee: Fernanda de Freitas Quadros
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/01132-2 - Multidisciplinary Center for the Development of Assistive Technology (MCDAT), AP.CCD

Abstract

Biomaterials, when implanted in the human body, interface with the biological system to restore or replace organs and tissues. Ti and its alloys have relevant characteristics to be used in the biomedical field, including proven biocompatibility, good mechanical and corrosive resistance, and low modulus of elasticity. However, despite the significant properties already highlighted, there is a considerable increase in the number of revision surgeries, and infectious factors represent one of the leading causes of implant replacement. In order to combat this public health problem, the study in the field of biomaterials must be explored beyond the mechanical properties. This research aims, through the Micro-Arc Oxidation technique, the functionalization of surfaces with bioactive elements (Ca, P, Mg, and Ag) in alloys of ±, ±+ ², and ² type of the Ti-25Ta-xNb system. The influence of the microstructure on the development of the TiO2 films will be investigated, as well as the effect of the variation of the difference in anodic potential on the growth of the films. The parameters adopted will directly influence the alloy surfaces and biofunctionalized films produced, offering the patient better osseointegration and greater efficiency in the long term. From the embedded elements, more excellent bioactivity is expected, in addition to the antimicrobial effect introduced by the Ag. The structural, microstructural, and mechanical characterization of the alloys and films produced will be developed at the Laboratório de Anelasticidade e Biomateriais (UNESP/Bauru). Biological and antimicrobial tests will be conducted at the Istituto di Struttura della Materia in Rome.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

QUADROS, FERNANDA DE FREITAS; CORREA, DIEGO RAFAEL NESPEQUE; FOSCA, MARCO; ORTENZI, MARCO; PLAKHOTNAIA, OLGA N.; GRANDINI, CARLOS ROBERTO; RAU, JULIETTA V.. Surface Characteristics of TiO₂ Coatings Formed by Micro-Arc Oxidation in Ti-25Ta-xNb Alloys: The Influence of Microstructure and Applied Voltage. COATINGS, v. 15, n. 6, p. 19-pg., 2025-06-19. (22/15205-6, 24/03148-3, 24/01132-2)