Maria I. Kaftaranova

The study focuses on a novel porous TiNi-based material for ophthalmic orbital implants which was produced by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) and, after proper surface modification, possesses a specific microstructure of its surface pores, which makes it attractive for biomedical use in implants. After preparation via SHS, the obtained porous TiNi material was etched in acidic environment, to get rid of its surface Ti2Ni secondary-phase particles. This was found to improve the material’s surface morphology, adding micro-roughness to its macro-rough pores. As a result, cell growth tests conducted on the material demonstrated improved cell adhesion and growth kinetics on such a porous material with improved roughness. Finally, the material was tested in vivo as an ophthalmic orbital implant, demonstrating good biocompatibility, good degree of biointegration with surrounding eyeball tissues, and no signs of rejection after as long as 180 days. Thus, the novel porous TiNi-based material shows promise for its use in ophthalmic implantology, for instanse for manufacturing musculoskeletal stumps of the eyeball after evisceration, as it is biocompatible, has a high tissue-implant integration potential and demonstrates reduced risks of exposure and rejection of the implant.

This work deals with a novel porous TiNi-based material for ophthalmic orbital implants that was produced by high-temperature synthesis (SHS) and possesses a specific microstructure of its surface pores, which makes it attractive for biomedical use in implants. After preparation via SHS, the obtained porous TiNi material was etched in acidic environment, to get rid of its surface Ti2Ni secondary-phase particles. This was found to improve the material’s surface morphology, adding micro-roughness to its macro-rough pores. As a result, cell growth tests conducted on the material demonstrated improved cell adhesion and growth kinetics on such a porous material with improved roughness. Finally, the material was tested in vivo as an ophthalmic orbital implant, demonstrating good biocompatibility, good degree of biointegration with surrounding eyeball tissues, and no signs of rejection after as long as 180 days. Thus, the novel porous TiNi-based material shows promise for its use in ophthalmic implantology, for instanse for manufacturing musculoskeletal stumps of the eyeball after evisceration, as it is biocompatible, has a high tissue-implant integration potential and demonstrates reduced risks of exposure and rejection of the implant.

TiNi alloys are very widely used materials in implant fabrication. When applied in rib replacement, they are required to be manufactured as combined porous-monolithic structures, ideally with a thin, porous part well-adhered to its monolithic substrate. Additionally, good biocompatibility, high corrosion resistance and mechanical durability are also highly demanded. So far, all these parameters have not been achieved in one material, which is why an active search in the field is still underway. In the present study, we prepared new porous-monolithic TiNi materials by sintering a TiNi powder (0–100 µm) on monolithic TiNi plates, followed by surface modification with a high-current pulsed electron beam. The obtained materials were evaluated by a set of surface and phase analysis methods, after which their corrosion resistance and biocompatibility (hemolysis, cytotoxicity, and cell viability) were evaluated. Finally, cell growth tests were conducted. In comparison with flat TiNi monoliths, the newly developed materials were found to have better corrosion resistance, also demonstrating good biocompatibility and potential for cell growth on their surface. Thus, the newly developed porous-on-monolith TiNi materials with different surface porosity and morphology showed promise as potential new-generation implants for use in rib endoprostheses.

Alloys based on TiNi are widely used in various fields of technology and medicine. In the present work, we report on the preparation of TiNi-alloy-based wire with the shape-memory effect, which was used for compression clips for surgery. The composition and structure of the wire and its martensitic and physical–chemical properties were studied using SEM, TEM, optic microscopy, profilometry, mechanical tests, etc. The TiNi alloy was found to consist of B2 and B19′ and secondary-phase particles of Ti₂Ni, TiNi₃ and Ti₃Ni₄. Its matrix was slightly enriched in Ni (50.3 at.% of Ni). A homogeneous grain structure was revealed (an average grain size of 19 ± 0.3 μm) with equal quantities of grain boundaries of special and general types. The surface oxide layer provides improved biocompatibility and promotes the adhesion of protein molecules. Overall, the obtained TiNi wire was concluded to exhibit martensitic, physical and mechanical properties suitable for its use as an implant material. The wire was then used for manufacturing compression clips with the shape-memory effect and applied in surgery. The medical experiment that involved 46 children demonstrated that the use of such clips in children with double-barreled enterostomies permitted improvement in the results of surgical treatment.

Alloys based on TiNi are widely used in various fields of technology and medicine. In the present work, we report on preparation of TiNi-alloy based wire with the shape memory effect, which was used for compression clips for surgery. Composition and structure of the wire, and its martensitic and physical-chemical properties were studied using SEM, TEM, optic microscopy, profilometry, mechanical tests, etc. The TiNi alloy was found to consist of B2 and B19' and secondary-phase particles of Ti2Ni, TiNi3 and Ti3Ni4. Its matrix was slightly enriched in Ni (50.3 at. % of Ni). Homogeneous grain structure was revealed (an average grain size of 19±0.3 μm) with equal quantities of grain boundaries of special and general types. Surface oxide layer provide improved biocompatibility and promote adhesion of protein molecules. Overall, the obtained TiNi wire was concluded to exhibit martensitic, physical and mechanical properties suitable for its use as an implant material. The wire was then used for manufacturing compression clips with the shape memory effect and applied in surgery. The medical experiment that involved 46 children demonstrated that the use of such clips in children with double-barreled enterostomies permitted to improve the results of surgical treatment.