Osseointegration potential for heat treated 3D Ti6Al4V scaffolds seeded with mysenchymal stem cells in vitro
Aseptic loosening of artificial joints occurs due to the loss of implant fixation. By implementing a 3D porous structure at the bone-implant interface, the ingrowth of bone will permit better and stronger interlocking of the implant to prevent loosening. In this study, it is hypothesized that the seeding of 3D scaffolding structures with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) will improve the potential for osseointegration of the implants, as the existing bone may be more inclined to unite with developing bone than with the implant substrate. Titanium-6 Aluminium-4 Vanadium (Ti64) is one of the most commonly used implant materials. Heat treatment of Ti64 was seen in tests done at the University of Cape Town to further improve against implant failure by vastly improving the materials strength and reducing debris formation. Thus the aim of this study was to investigate the effects the heat treatment of Ti64 would have on the capabilities of seeded MSCs in vitro.
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