TPN of Low-Density and Biocompatible Ti-MGs for Dental Implants

The life expectancy in industrialized countries has considerably increased in the last decades, and so has the necessity for restorative medicine. As a consequence of unhealthy lifestyle and ignorance of oral hygiene the number of cavities and teeth gum-related disorders the demand for dental surgeries increases. Nevertheless, most of the dental implant materials currently used do not suffice the optimal longevity and durability either due to tissue-/osseointegration or biomechanical response. A potential candidate which can circumvent all these problems is Ti-based metallic glasses (MGs) which combine high strength, hardness and elasticity, low elastic modulus and density, high fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, and high wear and fatigue strength in body fluids. Furthermore, deformability of MGs in a controlled viscosity range only at one third of their melting point with minimal shrinkage upon cooling allow these materials to be net-shaped into precise geometries with nanoscale precision. The main goal of this project is to develop a unique way of manufacturing Ti-MGs with excellent forming characteristics along with biocompatibility. Design of a novel Ti-MG while considering the casting dimensions and microformability, assessment of the thermoplastic net-shaping (TPN) capabilities, material characterization before and after forming of dental implants, and biocompatibility tests of these implants will be the primary goal of this research field. With cost and energy-saving production capabilities, this project is going to raise awareness on the worlds current concerns while contributing to the ecosystem. Requirements for reduced gas emission and energy saving are increasing significantly due the enormous dangers resulting from environmental pollution and global warming. This stimulates remarkable interest in high-performance materials as an efficient way to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. The proposal is thus focused on technologies that improve efficiency of preparation of materials which have both improved performances as well as reduction of specific weight. Hence, the concepts developed in this proposal contribute to the reduction of green-house gas emissions through four key-points: - environmental-friendly and cost-effective casting and forming technologies, - materials with high strength to mass ratio by weight reduction, - materials with enhanced biocompatibility for next-generation light-weight biomedical devices - materials with fine and precise shapes for miniaturization TPN is expected to reduce waste and emissions (fumes, chemicals, dust, hazardous materials) by up to 30% during processing, manufacturing and/or dismantling stages. Also, newly developed Ti-MGs will offer significant advantages in terms of biocompatibility and mechanical properties for in-vivo applications (surgical hip or dental implants). As a final outcome, this project is expected to create highly intelligent and novel materials with breakthrough properties, which can certainly advance the European regions strength and potential in the material science field. Key technologies of this project will be an important input to address bio-related future challenges.

Being completely free from cytotoxic elements like Cu, Ni, or Be, indispensable for Ti-based bulk metallic glass (MG) production, significantly limits the glass-forming ability (GFA) of the studied alloys. However, avoiding these elements also realizes an unprecedented corrosion resistance in simulated body fluids, which supports the potential utilization of the alloys as long-lasting dental implant material. The ultimate target of this project was to develop a biocompatible Ti-based MG implant with modulated topography, which promotes the cellular response from initial attachment and migration to differentiation and production of new tissue without exogenous growth factors. In order to achieve this goal, four main scientific milestones were targeted: (i) Developing a novel Ti-based biocompatible MG with enhanced (micro)patterning kinetics. (ii) Defining appropriate routes to achieve material properties that function as an excellent stress-shielding material in daily use. (iii) Production and tuning of surface patterns with improved antimicrobial/osseointegrative properties. (iv) Investigation and understanding of cell adhesion, bactericidal adhesion and biocorrosion mechanisms. The project reached its milestones with the contribution of the project partner INSA Lyon and collaborations with other interdisciplinary partners from the University of Vienna, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Politecnico di Torino, Universita Del Piemonte Orientale UPO, National University of Science and Technology MISIS, Polymer Competence Center Leoben and the University of Leoben. Collaborating with interdisciplinary research partners across Europe was crucial for leveraging diverse expertise and cutting-edge technologies, accelerating innovation, and ensuring the development of advanced Ti-based MGs that meet high standards for material performance, surpassing that of the golden standard Ti-based alloys. Based on the in-vitro findings, when exploited as a tooth implant, the novel MGs are predicted to exhibit excellent biocompatibility, making them suitable for medical implants and devices without causing adverse reactions in the body. Enhanced properties will lead to longer-lasting components, reduced maintenance and lower manufacturing costs due to improved material efficiency and reduced waste. The project is expected to lead to new hypotheses and research questions, such as improving the GFA of Ti-based bulk MGs without compromising their biocompatibility and corrosion resistance and how these materials perform in long-term in vivo studies. This includes exploring the atomic structure-property relationships, understanding the role of different alloying elements, and investigating the processing techniques that optimize these materials' mechanical, thermal, electrochemical, and biological performance. Additionally, it may raise questions about the scalability of the existing and state-of-the-art production methods, thereby opening new avenues for research and development. The research findings could cause paradigm shifts in the field, including redefining alloy design priorities to balance biocompatibility and corrosion resistance, setting new standards for dental implants, and expanding the use of MGs in biomedical applications. Additionally, it could drive a broader movement towards sustainable and environmentally friendly materials in biomedical engineering.