In vitro simulation of biocompatibility of Ti-Al-V.

The presented data are the result of a reappraisal of the biocompatibility properties of titanium alloys. An in vitro study has been conducted using Hanks' solution with four different additional compounds (EDTA, l-leucine, Na-citrate, and 8-hydroxyquinoline). A measurable dissolution rate was observed for Ti and Al in a solution containing EDTA and for Ti, Al, and V for a solution containing Na-citrate. The dissolution kinetics are discussed and explained in terms of the composition of the surface layers. The results contain useful introductory information for an extended study of media allowing representative in vitro simulation of the in vivo behavior of titanium alloys.