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

Autor(es)

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

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY; v. 506, p. 15-pg., 2025-06-15.

Resumo

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)

• Processo FAPESP: 18/00746-6 - Desenvolvimento e caracterização de compósitos in-situ de matriz de Ti-Nb para aplicação biomédica
• Beneficiário: Vinícius Richieri Manso Gonçalves
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado Direto
• Processo FAPESP: 18/18293-8 - Ligas de titânio: transformações de fases e manufatura aditiva aplicadas na obtenção de materiais com gradientes funcionais
• Beneficiário: Rubens Caram Junior
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Temático
• Processo FAPESP: 15/50280-5 - Desenvolvimento de superfícies híbridas biofuncionalizadas resistentes à tribo-corrosão em ligas à base de Ti
• Beneficiário: Carlos Roberto Grandini
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 24/00306-7 - Manufatura aditiva a laser de liga Beta Ti-Nb e de compósitos reforçados com TiC visando a aplicação biomédica
• Beneficiário: Vinícius Richieri Manso Gonçalves
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 22/15157-1 - Hipóxia induzida por cobalto como estratégia biomimética para o desenvolvimento de biomateriais avançados
• Beneficiário: Willian Fernando Zambuzzi
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 24/03886-4 - "Da bioinspiração à inovação: repertório de moléculas bioativas fisioestruturais do osso como guia para o desenvolvimento de produtos biomiméticos"
• Beneficiário: Gerson Santos de Almeida
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado