In vivo evaluation of a Ti-based bulk metallic glass alloy bar.

Ti-based bulk metallic glasses are reported with high strength, low Young modulus and high corrosion resistance, suggesting their potentials in biomedical applications. However a thorough in vivo evaluation of its biocompatibilities has not been conducted yet. In this study, we implanted bars of Ti-based bulk metallic glass in the femoral bone of rats, followed up local tissue reaction as well as its component ions' diffusion in local area and whole body. The Ti-based BMG (Ti40Zr10Cu34Pd14Sn2) alloy exhibited favorable features of both high strength and high elasticity. In vivo implant evaluation showed that it has a good tissue compatibility, equivalent bone integration and bonding ability with Ti sample. No component ion diffusion was detected up to 3 months post implantation. The possibility and efficacy of its use for bone implant is confirmed. Thus further long term implant study is recommended.