Electron beam structurisation of titanium materials for medical applications: potential for improved bone ingrowth behaviour

摘要

Within the scope of a path finder project which is carried out by the RWTH Aachen University it is aimed for the development of novel structures for improved cell growth on titanium alloy surfaces in interdisciplinary cooperation between the Welding and Joining Institute (Institut für Schweisstechnik und Fugetechnik) and the Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research (Lehr- und Forschungsgebiet Zahnarz-tliche Werkstoffkunde und Biomaterialforschung). The texturisation of the titanium platelets which have a diameter of φ 10 mm has been carried out via a scanning electron microscope (SEM) which had been modified for welding purposes. Preliminary tests have shown that the increased formation of adhesive pro-teins occurs when the structure increases by 20 μm. The optimum setting parameters have been identified via parameter studies and their influence on the structure formation has been shown. Topography measurements with a confocal microscope (topography surface measurement system) allowed to verify the height. Improved visualisation provided further the representation of the material transport which is typical of this method. The influence of the structures on the behaviour of the stem cells has been proven in unambiguous manner via fluorescence pigmentation tests.