The study of cytocompatibility of electron beam melting fabricated porous ti6al4v scaffolds

Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytocompatibility of Electron beam melting (EBM) fabricated porous Ti6Al4V. Methods The porous Ti6Al4V were fabricated using the EBM process with either a small pore size (EBMS, 640 μm) or a large one (EBML, 1 200 μm). The two types of samples were characterized in respect of microstructure, porosity, specific surface area, permeability, surface morphology and protein adsorption. The human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were seeded and cultured on the samples. The cell attachment and morphology, proliferation activity and osteogenic differentiation were evaluated subsequently. Results The EBMS samples showed lower permeability [EBMS: (1.03±0.03)×10-9 m2, EBML: (1.64±0.07)×10-9 m2], higher specific surface area [EBMS: (2.41±0.04)/mm, EBML: (1.69±0.10)/mm] and more protein adsorption [EBMS: (51±4) μg, EBML: (25±3) μg]. Both samples EBMS and EBML could support the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of hBMSCs. Nevertheless, the EBMS scaffolds were relatively more compatible with hBMSCs than the EBML probably for their larger specific surface area and more protein adsorption. Conclusion The EBM fabricated porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds possesses appropriate cytocompatibility. The difference in pore structure could impact somehow the cytocompatibility of the scaffolds. Key words: Porosity; Ti6Al4V; Biocompatible Materials; Osteogenesis