Improving the biocompatibility of NiTi alloy by chemical treatments:: An in vitro evaluation in 3T3 human fibroblast cell

The nearly equi-atomic nickel titanium alloy was coated with calcium phosphates by socking the chemically treated alloy in simulated body fluid in order to prepare bioactive NiTi implants. The biocompatibility of the calcium phosphates coated NiTi alloy was investigated by in vitro 3T3 human embryonic fibroblast cell culture tests. The cells attachment and morphologies were studied using phase contrast light microscope and environmental scanning electron microscope. The mechanically polished and the calcium phosphates coated NiTi samples were well tolerated by the cells, whereas, the controlled pure Ni samples exhibited strong toxicity to the cells. Furthermore, the calcium phosphates coated NiTi samples showed good osteoconductivity. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.