Characterization of titanium ceramic composite for bone implants applications

Bone implants are widely used to restore bone loss due to several factors including but not limited to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and road injuries. Current bone implant materials restore mechanical stability but suffer from a lack of osteointegration and will need to be replaced after long term use. To circumvent this, tissue engineering which capitalizes on the use of cells, biochemical factors and biodegradable materials aim to develop a biological substitute that restores, maintain or improve tissue functions. Central to the improvement of the tissue function and its stability through the implant relies on its interaction with the host tissue. Hence, a bioactive implant that promotes osteointegration is more desirable than an inert implant. In this study, metal-ceramic composites are explored for their suitability to be used as bone implants in the future. Fabrication of the composite was optimized using hot press compression and vacuum sintering method. Data presented include physicochemical characteristics of titanium-hydroxyapatite and titanium-wollastonite analyzed via SEM, FTIR, XRD, 3D laser microscopy and mechanical test. Evidence of material biocompatibility with primary human osteoprogenitor cells is also provided. Both titanium hydroxyapatite and titanium wollastonite possess the potential as the future of metal-ceramic composites as they possess the bioactivity of ceramic while still maintaining its core titanium body as a source of strength.