Keryam M. Novruzov

The pivotal role of metal implants within the host’s body following reconstructive surgery hinges primarily on the initial phase of the process: the adhesion of host cells to the implant’s surface and the subsequent colonization by these cells. Notably, titanium alloys represent a significant class of materials used for crafting metal implants. This study, however, marks the first investigation into how the phase composition of titanium alloys, encompassing the volume fractions of the α, β, and ω phases, influences cell adhesion to the implant’s surface. Moreover, the research delves into the examination of induced hemolysis and cytotoxicity. To manipulate the phase composition of titanium alloys, various parameters were altered, including the chemical composition of titanium alloys with iron and niobium, annealing temperature, and high-pressure torsion parameters. By systematically adjusting these experimental parameters, we were able to discern the distinct impact of phase composition. As a result, the study unveiled that the colonization of the surfaces of the examined Ti–Nb and Ti–Fe alloys by human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells exhibits an upward trend with the increasing proportion of the ω phase, concurrently accompanied by a decrease in the α and β phases. These findings signify a new avenue for advancing Ti-based alloys for both permanent implants and temporary fixtures, capitalizing on the ability to regulate the volume fractions of the α, β, and ω phases. Furthermore, the promising characteristics of the ω phase suggest the potential emergence of a third generation of biocompatible Ti alloys, the ω-based materials, following the first-generation α-Ti alloys and second-generation β alloys.

The study shows that multiaxial deformation (MAD) treatment leads to grain refinement in magnesium alloy WE43. Compared to the initial state, the MAD-processed alloy exhibited smoother biocorrosion dynamics in a fetal bovine serum and in a complete cell growth medium. Examination by microCT demonstrated retardation of the decline in the alloy volume and the Hounsfield unit values. An attendant reduction in the rate of accumulation of the biodegradation products in the immersion medium, a less pronounced alkalization, and inhibited sedimentation of biodegradation products on the surface of the alloy were observed after MAD. These effects were accompanied with an increase in the osteogenic mesenchymal stromal cell viability on the alloy surface and in a medium containing their extracts. It is expected that the more orderly dynamics of biodegradation of the WE43 alloy after MAD and the stimulation of cell colonization will effectively promote stable osteosynthesis, making repeat implant extraction surgeries unnecessary.