Influence of Nanoscale Surface Modifications on the Fatigue Resistance of Medically Relevant Metals

Abstract

With an increasingly aging population, a significant challenge in implantology is the creation of biomaterials that actively promote and accelerate tissue integration while offering excellent mechanical properties. Engineered surfaces with superimposed micro and nanoscale topographies showed great potential to control and direct biomaterial-host tissue interactions. However, these modified surfaces require a careful assessment to prevent potential adverse effects on the fatigue resistance, a factor which may ultimately cause premature failure of biomedical implants. In this context, the surfaces of two widely used biocompatible metals, namely CP Ti and Ti-6Al-4V, were engineered through simple yet efficient chemical treatments which demonstrated the ability to confer exciting new bioactive capacities. The qualitative and quantitative assessments of the fatigue resistance of polished and treated metals were carried out. Results from this study highlight the importance of mechanical considerations in the development and evaluation of nanoscale surface treatments for metallic biomedical implants.