Study of In-vitro cellular response in Cu₄₆Zr₄₀Ti_8.5Al_5.5 and Fe_44.5Co_44.5Zr₇B₄ compositions for biomedical applications

In the present study, Cu₄₆Zr₄₀Ti_8.5Al_5.5 and Fe_44.5Co_44.5Zr₇B₄ alloy in crystalline and amorphous form is explored for biocompatibility assessment as potential biomaterials. Copper in its native form is essential nutrient for human body while Iron rich alloys, in physiological environment have demonstrated good biocompatibility. Considering advantages and biological roles of metallic elements in alloys, Cu and Fe based alloy compositions are selected for systematic evaluation of their biocompatibility assessment. Crystal structure investigation in crystalline alloys form revealed the presence of Cu₁₀Zr₇ and Co₂Zr intermetallic phase in Cu₄₆Zr₄₀Ti_8.5Al_5.5 and Fe_44.5Co_44.5Zr₇B₄ alloy, respectively. In-vitro study is conducted to understand the cell viability on Cu₄₆Zr₄₀Ti_8.5Al_5.5 and Fe_44.5Co_44.5Zr₇B₄ in crystalline and amorphous alloy. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Total Protein estimation in osteoblast- using MG63 cells were conducted for the biocompatibility assessment. The obtained data set were statistically analyzed to discern the biological significance and reliability. In-vitro cytocompatibility analysis demonstrated that the MG 63 cells maintained higher cell viability of 84% when cultured in presence of Cu₄₆Zr₄₀Ti_8.5Al_5.5 alloy for 5 days as demonstrated by XTT (methoxynitrosulfophenyl-tetrazoliumcarboxanilide) assay due to the high internal biocompatibility of Cu, Zr, and Ti elements while Fe_44.5Co_44.5Zr₇B₄ alloy demonstrated cell viability of less than 38%.On comparison with Fe based compositions, Cu based alloy have resulted in better initial cell attachment and high osteogenic potential as confirmed by ALP test. Results of present study indicates that Cu₄₆Zr₄₀Ti_8.5Al_5.5 alloy is potential composition for future bio-implants applications.