Corrosion and Biocompatibility Properties of TiZrNbCrV, TiZrNbFeCr, and TiZrNbFeV High Entropy Alloys Produced through Mechanical Alloying

In the quest to engineer advanced biomaterials for orthopedic implant applications, this study presents a meticulous exploration into the biocompatibility of TiZrNbCrV, TiZrNbFeCr, and TiZrNbFeV alloys. The research endeavors to unveil the intricate interplay between material attributes and cellular responses, offering nuanced insights into the development of biocompatible implant materials. A salient discovery emerges as the investigation scrutinizes the role of adhesion patches residing within enriched areas, yielding a profound impact on cellular spreading dynamics. This phenomenon, previously observed in Bio-HEA alloys, accentuates the pivotal role of surface characteristics as architectural orchestrators of cellular behavior. Central to cellular functionality, cell proliferation governs a spectrum of vital processes, including gene expression, migratory dynamics, and protein synthesis. The alloy samples under scrutiny reveal distinctive cell morphologies, with the TiZrNbFeCr alloy mirroring the morphology of Bio-HEA. In contrast, the TiZrNbCrV and TiZrNbFeV samples portray a diminutive osteoblast phenotype, signaling variances in cytoskeletal organization. The study underscores a compelling correlation between low cytotoxicity profiles and the tandem attributes of robust corrosion resistance and the formation of stable oxide passivation layers. Remarkably, the TiZrNbFeCr alloy emerges as a standout, characterized by augmented cell adhesion and an early commitment to ossification, as evidenced by the proliferation of larger cells. Furthermore, this research underscores the prospect of elevating biocompatibility by strategically integrating titanium and zirconium oxide layers into alloy design, shedding light on a promising avenue for enhancing biomaterial performance. While corrosion resistance remains a foundational criterion, the conspicuous absence of deleterious elements, notably nickel and vanadium in specific alloy compositions, emerges as a cardinal contributor to the heightened biocompatibility profiles observed.