Hydrogen-treated CoCrMo alloy: a novel approach to enhance biocompatibility and mitigate inflammation in orthopedic implants
Journal
Journal of Materials Chemistry B
ISSN
2050-750X
2050-7518
Date Issued
2024
Author(s)
Yu-Chien Lin
Chih-Chien Hu
Wai-Ching Liu
Udesh Dhawan
Yu-Chieh Chen
Yi-Jie Kuo
Ren-Jei Chung
DOI
10.1039/d4tb00725e
Abstract
In recent decades, orthopedic implants have been widely used as materials to replace human bone tissue functions. Among these, metal implants play a crucial role. Metals with better chemical stability, such as stainless steel, titanium alloys, and cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy, are commonly used for long-term applications. However, good chemical stability can result in poor tissue integration between the tissue and the implant, leading to potential inflammation risks. This study creates hydrogenated CoCrMo (H-CoCrMo) surfaces, which have shown promise as anti-inflammatory orthopedic implants. Using the electrochemical cathodic hydrogen-charging method, the surface of the CoCrMo alloy was hydrogenated, resulting in improved biocompatibility, reduced free radicals, and an anti-inflammatory response. Hydrogen diffusion to a depth of approximately 106 ± 27 nm on the surface facilitated these effects. This hydrogen-rich surface demonstrated a reduction of 85.2% in free radicals, enhanced hydrophilicity as evidenced by a decrease in a contact angle from 83.5 ± 1.9° to 52.4 ± 2.2°, and an increase of 11.4% in hydroxyapatite deposition surface coverage. The cell study results revealed a suppression of osteosarcoma cell activity to 50.8 ± 2.9%. Finally, the in vivo test suggested the promotion of new bone formation and a reduced inflammatory response. These findings suggest that electrochemical hydrogen charging can effectively modify CoCrMo surfaces, offering a potential solution for improving orthopedic implant outcomes through anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
SDGs
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Type
journal article