Biocompatibility and Surface Studies on Electrospark-Machined Titanium-Based Human Implants

In current research, the engineering materials are trending towards biomedical applications. One of the main focuses is on selection of appropriate manufacturing techniques, surface behavior under body fluid and cell viability analysis on titanium-based implant material. Commercially available titanium implants are used to machine with electrospark erosion method. The experiments are planed based on varying the input parameters such as pulse on/off time and applied voltage for better surface quality. Their surface quality is evaluated in terms of average roughness and surface profile. The sample machined at 50 V and 5 µs (applied voltage and pulse on time) has been observed to have good quality surface when compared to other process conditions. The influence of voltage and pulse on time has more significance to achieve better surface quality. Due to the formation of oxide, micropore and microcracks, the biocompatibility has to be decreased. Subsequently, the simulated body fluid (SBF) developed using chemical reagents is used to study the electrochemical behavior. Further the machined surface and SBF exposed surface are analyzed with electron imaging techniques and spectra analysis. Methyl Tetrazolium (MTT) assay and the cell viability investigations were also performed on the machined surface. The cell adherence, rate of growth and its viability were evaluated for 24 h. The output response based on mechanical, metallurgical and biocompatibility of the implant has been considered for current discussion. Maximum roughness produced due to surface oxidation during machining has produced less corrosion rate. From the studies, it is clear to notice that the cell cultured over the machined surface has increased proliferation constantly and found suitable for future investigation. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.