Microstructure, mechanical properties and osseointegration ability of Ta–20Zr alloy used as dental implant material

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the application prospect of a tantalum (Ta) and zirconium (Zr) alloy as a dental implant material. The Ta–20Zr (wt.%) alloy was prepared by powder metallurgy, and its microstructure and mechanical properties were analyzed by standard techniques. The effect of Ta–20Zr alloy on inflammation, bone remodeling and osseointegration was analyzed in rat and rabbit models by biochemical, histological and imaging tests. The Ta–20Zr alloy showed excellent mechanical compatibility with the bone tissue on account of similar elastic modulus (49.2 GPa), thereby avoiding the ‘stress shielding effect’. Furthermore, Ta–20Zr alloy enhanced the inflammatory response by promoting secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10, and facilitated the balance between the M1/M2 macrophage phenotypes. Finally, Ta–20Zr also showed excellent osseointegration and osteogenic ability without any systemic side effects, making it an ideal dental implant material.