Low-Cost Bio-innovative Titanium Alloys for Dental Implant Approaches (A Comparative In vitro – In vivo animal study)

Abstract

Background: Titanium is widely used for dental implants due to its superior mechanical properties, low density, and biocompatibility. While Ti-6Al-4V (Grade V) is a standard implant alloy, concerns over aluminum and vanadium toxicity have led to the development of alternative alloys. This study evaluates the biocompatibility and osseointegration of two cost-effective, vanadium-free titanium alloys: β-type Ti–4.7Mo–4.5Fe (TMF55) and (α+β)-type Ti–3Mo–0.5Fe (TMF31), compared to Grade V titanium.Materials and Methods: Three titanium alloys—Grade V (control), TMF55, and TMF31—were fabricated. Discs (8mm × 3mm) and implant cylinders (3mm × 6mm) were used for in vitro (EDX, XRD, Young’s modulus, cytotoxicity, cell viability) and in vivo (histology, histomorphometry, osteopontin expression) assessments. BIC% was analyzed after 2 and 6 weeks in V Spain white rabbits.Results: EDX and XRD confirmed alloy composition. TMF31 demonstrated a significantly lower Young’s modulus (P<0.0001), higher cell viability at 6 hours (P=0.0001) and 7 days (P=0.04), strong osteopontin expression, and comparable BIC% to Grade V (P>0.1). In contrast, TMF55 showed lower Young’s modulus (P<0.0001), reduced cell viability (P<0.0001), weak osteopontin expression, and lower BIC% at 2 and 6 weeks (P=0.001).Conclusions: TMF31 emerges as a promising, cost-effective alternative to Grade V titanium for dental implants, whereas TMF55 is unsuitable due to poor osseointegration and biocompatibility.