| Abstract: | To reduce the risk of implant-associated infections,we previously designed and developed a series of medical copper (Cu)-bearing titanium alloys that release Cu ions and hence play an antibacterial role.However,both excessive and deficient Cu levels adversely affect human health;therefore,the aim of the present study was to comprehensively evaluate the short-and long-term biosafety of Cu-bearing titanium alloys (Ti6Al4V-Cu and Ti-Cu) both in vitro and in vivo.Moreover,the predominant kinetic mechanism of Cu ions release and its effect on biosafety were also investigated.The results indicate that the biocompat-ibility of the Cu-bearing titanium alloys meets the requirements of ISO standards and the Cu ion release kinetics display a good correlation over the entire time period in the normal zero-order model with an almost constant release rate.The release rate maintained at a parts per billion level safe for humans;consequently,we can conclude that our Cu-bearing titanium alloys have satisfactory biocompatibility. |
