Dental implants of a Ti-35Nb-7Zr alloy compared to commercially pure titanium implants: in vitro and in vivo study

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the biofunctionality of Ti-35Nb-7Zr alloy dental implants compared to Titaniumfix® (Ti-Cp) implants. Material and Methods: Biofunctionality was evaluated through in vitro tests using mesenchymal stem cells isolated from rat femur bone marrow, focusing on cell viability, total protein quantification, and alkaline phosphatase activity. In vivo tests involved inserting both Ti-Cp and Ti-35Nb-7Zr implants into the tibia of New Zealand albino rabbits for histological and histomorphometric analysis, along with removal torque analysis to assess osseointegration. The analysis of variance ANOVA one factor was performed. In case of statistical differences, Tukey test with a significance level of 5% was used. Results: The new alloy exhibited non-cytotoxicity, with cell viability. No significant differences were observed in total protein and alkaline phosphatase tests between the two materials. Histological analysis indicated new bone formation, with no statistical differences in bone area fraction occupancy. Fluorescence analysis demonstrated comparable bone apposition, while removal torque results suggested osseointegration in both implants. Conclusions: The Ti-35Nb-7Zr alloy induces osteogenesis and osseointegration as well as Ti-Cp implants, showcasing its potential as an intraosseous biomaterial for use not only in dentistry but also in other fields requiring prosthetic rehabilitation.

KEYWORDS

Beta titanium alloy; Biomaterials; Dental implants; Osseointegration; Osteogenesis.