Additive technologies allowed for the development of medicine and implantology, enabling the production of personalized and highly porous implants. Although implants of this type are used clinically, they are usually only heat treated. Surface modification using electrochemical methods can significantly improve the biocompatibility of biomaterials used for implants, including printed ones. The study examined the effect of anodizing oxidation on the biocompatibility of a porous implant made of Ti6Al4V by the SLM method. The study used a proprietary spinal implant intended for the treatment of discopathy in the c4–c5 section. As part of the work, the manufactured implant was assessed in terms of compliance with the requirements for implants (structure testing—metallography) and the accuracy of the pores produced (pore size and porosity). The samples were subjected to surface modification using anodic oxidation. The research was carried out for 6 weeks in in vitro conditions. Surface topographies and corrosion properties (corrosion potential, ion release) were compared for unmodified and anodically oxidized samples. The tests showed no effect of anodic oxidation on the surface topography and improved corrosion properties. Anodic oxidation stabilized the corrosion potential and limited the release of ions to the environment.

Biomaterials used for bone implants should be characterized by good corrosion resistance, appropriate mechanical and electrical properties, high metallurgical quality, biocompatibility, abrasion resistance, and relatively low production costs. Currently used titanium alloys are being replaced by materials with better biocompatibility, so-called new-generation titanium alloys containing elements such as vanadium or niobium. These alloys, with the addition of Zr, Fe, or Ta, give Young's modulus values approximating that of bone, thus further improving the biocompatibility of the biomaterial. The aim of this study was to assess the impact on its physicochemical and mechanical properties of modifying Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy with a titanium nitride (TiN) layer using PVD. The knowledge obtained has practical significance for the use of this type of surface modification for various types of miniaturized implants used, for example, in the skeletal system. As part of the assessment of the physicochemical properties of the resulting surface layers, microscopic observations (SEM), potentiodynamic tests, impedance tests, surface wettability tests, scratch tests, and layer abrasion tests were performed. Based on the results obtained, various physicochemical properties of the modified alloy were recorded, depending on the surface modification process. As a result, better properties were noted with respect to corrosion resistance, especially for the tribological properties and the surface resistance to abrasion. The knowledge obtained from this research has practical significance for the use of this type of surface modification for various types of miniaturized implants used in the skeletal system.

Purpose Titanium alloys are among the most widely used materials in medicine, especially in orthopedics. However, their use requires the application of an appropriate surface modification method to improve their properties. Such methods include anodic oxidation and the application of polymer coatings, which allow to limit the release of alloying element ions. In addition, biodegradable polymer coatings can serve as a carrier for drugs and other substances. The paper presents the results of research on the physical properties of biodegradable polymer coatings containing na-noparticle hydroxyapatite on a titanium alloy substrate Methods A PLGA coating was used in the tests. The coatings on the substrate of the anodized Ti6Al7Nb alloy were applied by ultrasonic spray coating. The tests were carried out for coatings with various hydroxyapatite content (5, 10, 15, 20%) and thickness resulting from the number of layers applied (5, 10, 15 layers). The scope of the research included microscopic observations using scanning electron microscopy, topography tests with optical profilometry, structural studies using X-ray diffraction, as well as wettability and adhesion tests. Results The results shows that with the use of ultrasonic spray coating system is possible to obtain the continuous coatings containing hydroxyapaptite. Conclusions The properties of the coating can be controlled by changing the percentage of hydroxyapatite and the number of layers of which the coating is composed.