Ti6Al4V Scaffolds with Alkali Activated Surfaces for Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Osteocompatibility of orthopedic implants can be enhanced by surface bioactivation and by providing biomimetic architecture. Selective laser melting (SLM) is used to produce scaffold materials with ameliorated topology to meet the requirements of the load-bearing function of a bone tissue. Both macro- and micro levels were considered to achieve these goals. Mineralization of the implant surfaces improves cell attachment and spreading. Treatment of Ti6Al4V implant with sodium hydroxide resulted in a titanate surface layer with well-developed nanostructure. Additional surface treatment can be used to improve the biological properties of the SLM-fabricated porous scaffolds.