Micro-arc oxidation treatment applied on the surface of β Ti-Nb matrix composites as a strategy to modulate cellular behavior

Author(s)

Goncalves, Vinicius Richieri Manso ; Correa, Diego Rafael Nespeque ; Cardoso, Giovana Collombaro ; de Almeida, Gerson Santos ; Zambuzzi, Willian Fernando ; Afonso, Conrado Ramos Moreira ; Lisboa-Filho, Paulo Noronha ; Grandini, Carlos Roberto

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY; v. 506, p. 15-pg., 2025-06-15.

Abstract

Large bone injuries require long-term implant materials with multifunctional properties. While beta-type Ti-Nb alloys offer a reduced elastic modulus closer to bone stiffness, metallic materials remain susceptible to degradation under friction in corrosive environments, such as articulating joints exposed to body fluids. In this context, Ti-based matrix composites (TMCs) have emerged as promising alternatives, as beta Ti-Nb matrices reinforced with TiC and/or TiB precipitates have recently demonstrated superior tribocorrosion resistance compared to unreinforced beta Ti-Nb alloys, while maintaining low elastic moduli. The current study focuses on enhancing the biological properties of beta-TMCs through surface micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment. An electrolyte enriched with Ca-, P-, and Mg-based compounds was used to generate bioactive porous oxide coatings. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed Ca/P ratios close to 1.67 in all MAO coatings, while high-resolution spectra identified phosphate functional groups and calcium carbonate, indicating favorable compositions for bone regeneration. TiB and TiC may have formed volatile oxides such as B2O3 and CO2, whereas only B2O3 was detected in the XPS results. Furthermore, TiB in the substrate refined pore sizes to below 1 mu m2 and increased MAO coating thickness to over 11 mu m, although neither TiB nor TiC affected the anatase-to-rutile ratio. In vitro cellular assays demonstrated that MAO-treated beta-TMCs facilitate osteoblast proliferation due to their controlled porous surface structure and biomimetic composition. These findings support beta-TMCs as promising candidates for biomedical applications, with MAO treatment serving as an effective strategy for enhancing biological performance. Further preclinical studies are required to validate their clinical potential. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/00746-6 - Development and characterization of in-situ Ti-Nb matrix composites for biomedical applications
• Grantee: Vinícius Richieri Manso Gonçalves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 18/18293-8 - Titanium alloys: phase transformations and additive manufacturing applied to obtaining functionally graded materials
• Grantee: Rubens Caram Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/50280-5 - Development of bio-functionalized and tribocorrosion resistant hybrid surfaces on novel Ti-based alloys
• Grantee: Carlos Roberto Grandini
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 24/00306-7 - Laser additive manufacturing of Beta Ti-Nb alloy and TiC-reinforced composites designed for biomedical applications
• Grantee: Vinícius Richieri Manso Gonçalves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 22/15157-1 - Cobalt-induced hypoxia as biomimetic strategy for advanced biomaterials developing
• Grantee: Willian Fernando Zambuzzi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 24/03886-4 - "From Bioinspiration to Innovation: Repertoire of Physiostructural Bioactive Molecules of Bone as a Guide for the Development of Biomimetic Products"
• Grantee: Gerson Santos de Almeida
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral