Evaluation of the Effects of Murine Macrophage Cells on Biocorrosion of Two Implant Alloys

Abstract

Titanium and 316L stainless steel are popular orthopedic implant alloys because of their mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The central hypotheses of this research were to determine if the adsorption of cells onto implant surfaces would alter their electrochemical corrosion properties and if released metal ions would stimulate macrophages. Analysis of supernatants and electrochemical corrosion tests were conducted on 316L SS and Ti with macrophages attached to evaluate their interactions. Results indicated that cells attached to alloys do alter their corrosion behavior by significantly increasing equilibrium potentials. Cells attached to 316L SS significantly increased charge transfer and the release of Ni, which is known to cause hypersensitivity. A difference in cell stimulation was seen between controls cells on TCP and cells cultured on the alloys. Significant findings of this study include alterations in alloy corrosion behavior and cell stimulation.