Functionalized Ti alloys for biomedical applications: Osteogenic differentiation and antimicrobial activity

• Grant number: 25/08709-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Roberto Grandini
• Grantee: Mariana Rocha Corrêa
• Supervisor: Dzhulietta Rau
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Italy
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/00837-2 - Exploring the Biocompatibility of Novel Titanium-Based Alloys: Modulation of Signaling Pathways and Epigenetic Regulation, BP.MS

Abstract

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used in orthopedic and dental implants due to their excellent properties, such as high biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and a favorable mechanical strength-to-density ratio compared to other alloys employed in the biomedical field. However, these materials are considered bioinert, susceptible to infections, and exhibit a limited osseointegration rate, factors that can increase the risk of implant failure. In this context, surface modification of metallic biomaterials has proven to be an effective strategy to minimize degradation after implantation, enhance cell adhesion, improve wear and corrosion resistance, and provide better control over protein absorption. Based on this, the present study proposes functionalizing the Ti-6Al-4V alloy surface using the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique and incorporating strategic bioactive species and oxides. Preliminary biological assays have demonstrated that the incorporation of bioactive elements, such as calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), combined with the addition of transition metal oxides (TMOs), including TiO¿, Al¿O¿, MoO¿, Fe¿O¿, and MnO¿, resulted in significant improvements in wear resistance and cell viability. Given these findings, this project aims to deepen the understanding of material-cell interactions by evaluating osteogenic differentiation and antimicrobial activity.