Project title: A new generation of metallic biomaterials as health solution for a sustainable life
Duration of the project: April 2024 – March 2027
Project acronym: Cool&SmarTit
Call: ERA-MIN3 Joint Transnational Call 2023
Project code:
Funder: European Commission, Horizon 2020
Programme Coordinator: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal
ABSTRACT
The project “A new generation of metallic biomaterials as health solution for a sustainable life“ aims to obtain a new alloys system containing Titanium, Molibdenum, Niobium and Tin (Ti-Mo-Nb-Sn), with characteristics suitable for medical applications. The new generation of biomaterials will overcome the limitations of the titanium, cobalt and stainless-steel alloys as: high elasticity model and low corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Hence, to achieve long-term stability and rapid osseointegration in orthopedic implants, surface modification of the implant surface is required. In this sense, the new titanium-based alloys will undergo specific heat treatments to obtain alloys with good mechanical properties intended for orthopedic applications.
Novelty and Innovation of the proposed approach is the development, improvement, characterization and promotion of new Ti-based alloys obtained for different concentrations of non-toxic metals (Mo, Nb, Sn). These alloys will synergistically combine the effects of each element involved in the titanium system. The obtained biomaterials based on the studied compositions are expected to show improved functional characteristics as implant materials for health-related application. While 60% of orthopedic implants have adverse reactions, these materials developed in the project can easily replace existing materials, having mechanical properties close to those of human bone, resistance to corrosion and rapid osseointegration.
Originality of the proposed approach consists in the development and characterization of Ti-based alloys containing unique combination of nontoxic alloying elements that are enhancing the Young modulus (in order to have proprieties closer to the attached/replaced tissue). The newly developed alloys will be thermally treated at different temperature levels in order to obtain optimal characteristics.
Project Objective
The development and characterization of Ti-based alloys containing unique combination of nontoxic alloying elements that are enhancing the Young modulus (in order to have proprieties closer to the attached/replaced tissue). The newly developed alloys will be thermally treated at different temperature levels in order to obtain optimal characteristics.
| Partner 1 Coordinator | Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi (TUIASI) – Romania https://www.tuiasi.ro/ |
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| Partner 2 | National Institute for Research and Development in Environmental Protection Bucharest (INCDPM) https://www.incdpm.org/ |
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| Partner 3 | Fundación Universitaria San Antonio, Murcia, Spain (UCAM) https://www.ucam.edu/ |
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| Partner 4 | University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy from Bulgaria (UCTM) https://uctm.edu/en/ |
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Workplan
- Development of new types of Ti-Mo-Nb-Sn alloys with advanced biocompatibility and elasticity modulus similar to that of human bone. To achieve this objective, the following activities are planned: (i) Design of new types of alloys in Ti-Mo-Nb-Sn system (based on preliminary results of the research team – published articles, book chapters, books in progress) (P1), with establishing strict domain of variation for each component – resulting in different compositions of new alloys (P2, P3, P4); (ii) development of alloys using arc melting method, all samples will be produced in a protective atmosphere of argon with the same parameters and in the same form (P1); (iii) preparation of alloys sample for testing at laboratory scale (P2); (iii) preliminary characterization: microstructure analysis optics, scanning electron microscopes (P3, P4).
- Improvements on biomaterials by heat treatments, will be done using a controlled-atmosphere melting furnace, following a personalized heat treatment program for these types of materials: a high-temperature quenching accomplished in three steps (650 °C- maintained for 25 min, 850 °C- maintained for 20 min, and 950 °C -maintained for 20 min) conducted in a vacuum in order to equalize the temperature between the middle and the core of the samples (P1).
- Testing of new materials in order to patent them (material and technology for obtaining) in elaborated cast form and heat treated, achieved through collaboration P1, P2, P3 and P4, according to present infrastructure: (i) Chemical composition (SEM/EDX or ICP-OES – to obtain the data on the chemical composition of the obtained alloys; (ii) Structural characterization (Optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction XRD, SEM) – to obtain data on microstructure, phase composition, crystallographic orientation, texture, etc; (iii) Mechanical characterization (Hardness Tests, Indenting Tests) – highlights the mechanical properties of the elaborated alloys: hardness, elasticity etc.; (iv) Corrosion resistance: Linear and cyclic polarization – determines the stability of the proposed alloys in the human body fluids; (v) Surface characterization (Contact angle (θ)) – involves measuring the contact angle of the alloy surface to achieve / optimize cell adhesion and proliferation; (vi) Biocompatibility tests: is required to assess the in vitro events occurring during cells-materials co-incubation and/or interactions.
- Communication, dissemination, and exploitation of results through: research papers in high ranked journals, publication of book chapters, participation at conferences and invention exhibitions, attracting the interest of implants manufacturing industry to medical devices based on the newly proposed alloy. Regarding the dissemination we have as target: (i) Publication of minimum 5 articles in high ranked journals related to project’s topic; (ii) a book chapter; (iii) a patent application; (v) Organization of a workshop on the theme: new biocompatible alloys from Ti-Mo-Nb-Sn system for implantable medical devices, inviting specialists in manufacturing titanium, implantologists surgeons, members of the Biomaterials Society from Romania and abroad etc.
Expected outcomes consist in the development, improvement, complete characterization and promotion of new titanium alloys containing different concentrations of non-toxic metals (Mo, Nb, Sn). These materials create new market opportunities driven by innovation and functional properties.
The new alloys developed have a significant impact on the body, other materials currently used for implantation could be reevaluated and replaced in future due to the adverse effects they give.
Innovation capacity – Scientists are increasingly realizing the potential of biomaterials to help with many tasks. This project belongs to a key area of biomaterials, being used in tissue engineering and regeneration.
The biomaterials market is competitive and always in need of change for alloys that support a sustainable life Issues related to barrier – We address critical and high-priority challenges (Alzheimer’s disease caused by some alloys), propose evidence-based strategic solutions, and emphasize that the perspectives of affected individuals need to be considered and integrated.
SCIENTIFIC REPORT – 2024
[ Romanian Version of Report 2024 ]
Stage 1/2024
In accordance with Stage 1 of the project entitled “Design, obtaining new Ti-Mo-Nb-Sn alloys and preliminary characterization” objectives of the Cool&SmartTit project for 2024, the following deliverables were achieved:
Deliverable 1: Literature study on titanium alloys. In order to obtain this deliverable, a specialized study of biomaterials and titanium-based alloys used in implantology was carried out. Due to the disadvantages of the existing materials on the market, a continuous need for research for new titanium alloys with biocompatible elements was identified.
Deliverable 2: Alloy design through simulations and optimizations. The analysis was performed using the Thermo-Calc software and presents the phase equilibrium for titanium-based alloys in the Ti-Mo-Nb-Sn system. The analysis is performed to understand the behavior of the α (Ti) and β (Ti) phases as a function of temperature and alloy composition, the purpose being to guide their optimization for biomedical applications.
Deliverable 3: Development of alloys using the vacuum electric arc remelting facility. In order to obtain this deliverable, 12 titanium-based alloy recipes were developed, one ingot was developed from each recipe: Ti5Mo5Nb, Ti5Mo10Nb, Ti10Mo5Nb, Ti10Mo10Nb, Ti5Mo5Nb1Sn, Ti5Mo10Nb1Sn, Ti10Mo5Nb1Sn, Ti10Mo10Nb1Sn, Ti10Mo10Nb1Sn, Ti5Mo5Nb2Sn, Ti5Mo10Nb2Sn, Ti10Mo5Nb2Sn and Ti10Mo10Nb2Sn.
Deliverable 4: Testing of preliminary alloys from a chemical point of view by spectrometric analyses. To achieve this deliverable, the following complementary analytical techniques were used: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). These methods allowed us to identify and quantify the chemical elements present in the samples, as well as the constituent phases, thus providing a detailed picture of the developed alloys.
Deliverable 5: Evaluation of the mechanical properties of the preliminary alloys by the indentation method and microhardness tests. For this deliverable, hardness determinations by the Brinell method and indentation tests to determine the elastic modulus were performed.
Deliverable 6: Project management and scientific coordination; Mobilities (conferences and salons); Dissemination, exploitation and data management. In order to achieve this deliverable, the brief description of the Cool&SmartTit project is published online at https://simtit.ro/coolsmartit/. The preliminary results obtained from the activities carried out were disseminated through 2 articles in specialized journals and the publication of a book chapter by an internationally recognized publishing house: https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14090756, https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050508, DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.1005742.
Also, the Cool&SmartTit project concept was presented at several conferences and invention salons as follows:
- The paper “The latest research on titanium alloys suitable for medical applications” presented orally by Baltatu member Madalina Simona, at the 10th International Conference “Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering & Medical Devices”” – BIOMMEDD’2024, organized by the Romanian Society of Biomaterials, in partnership with the Academy of Scientists of Romania, from October 10-12, 2024, in Bucharest;
- The paper “Advancing Biomedical Applications Ti-Mo-Nb-Sn Alloys” was presented as a poster, at the International Conference on Innovative Research ICIR, from June 6-7, 2024, in Iași;
- The paper “Advanced Titanium Alloys for Orthopedic Implants” presented orally by Baltatu member Madalina Simona, at the 4th BioMaH Conference, from 15-18 October 2024 – Italian National Research Council – Headquarters – Piazzale Aldo Moro 7, Rome, Italy;
- The paper “Properties and Applications of New Ti-Mo-Nb-Sn Alloys in Biomedical Engineering” presented orally by the project director, Petrică Vizureanu, at the 4th BioMaH Conference, from 15-18 October 2024 – Italian National Research Council – Headquarters – Piazzale Aldo Moro 7, Rome, Italy;
- The project topic “A new generation of metallic biomaterials as health solution for a sustainable life” presented as a poster, 48th International Invention Show – INOVA 2024, October 2024, Zagreb, R. Hrvatska/Croatia. The project received the Diploma of Excellence from the organizers of INOVA 2024.
- The project theme “A new generation of metallic biomaterials as health solution for a sustainable life” presented as a poster, at the 9th International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada, iCAN 2024, 24 August 2024, Toronto, Canada. The project received the Diploma of Excellence from the organizers of iCAN 2024.
- The project theme “A new generation of metallic biomaterials as health solution for a sustainable life” presented as a poster, at the 1st International Innovation and Invention Show Euro Politechnicus 2024, Bucharest, Romania, 22-24 November 2024.
- The project theme “A new generation of metallic biomaterials as health solution for a sustainable life” was presented as a poster at the 2024 Kaoshsiung International Invention & Design EXPO. The project received the Gold Medal.
In relation to the project implementation plan, all activities and important milestones, which had deadlines prior to the presentation of this report, were successfully completed/accomplished by the project team.
Project Director
Professor PhD.Eng. Petrica VIZUREANU
Phone: +40.744793984
E-mail: peviz2002@yahoo.com