Low-modulus Ti-Nb alloys coated with sputter-deposited hydroxyapatite as biomaterial in bone contact

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Matthias Epple
• Subject Area: Biomaterials
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 464548992

Calcium phosphate-coated titanium-niobium alloys will be systematically explored as potential biomaterials in bone contact. Beta-phase Ti-Nb alloy samples in defined shape with different porosities will be prepared by additive manufacturing. The optimization of the Nb content in the range of 10-27 at% will be performed based on the criterion to match the Young modulus to that of cortical bone. The enhancement of a bioactive action in contact with bone will be accomplished by RF-magnetron sputter deposition of Sr- or Mg-doped hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate). The surface chemistry and topography of the samples is expected to modulate cell adhesion, proliferation and growth for a better bone attachment. This coated material will be studied by in-vitro cell culture to derive the influence of the materials parameters, i.e. the composition of the metallic base material and the calcium phosphate coating. The goal is to have a parameter set for these metallic materials in bone contact, based on elastic Ti-Nb alloys (also porous) with a calcium phosphate coating to promote bone growth. Thus, fundamental insight into the combination of novel Ti-Nb alloys with bioactive calcium phosphate coatings for an application in bone contact will be obtained, opening the pathway for improved implants like endoprostheses or dental implants.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Russia
• Partner Organisation: Russian Science Foundation, until 3/2022
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Maria Alexandrovna Surmeneva, until 3/2022