This review summarizes the processing techniques, properties, applications, and recent advances in titanium-based biomaterials.
Abstract
Titanium and its alloys are cornerstone biomaterials due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent fatigue and corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and ability to osseointegrate with bone. Their relatively low elastic modulus compared to stainless steels and Co–Cr alloys further enhances their suitability for biomedical applications. Performance is continually improved through alloy design (tailoring α and β phases), advanced manufacturing methods such as CNC machining and additive manufacturing, and surface engineering approaches. In particular, the formation of a stable TiO2 layer promotes corrosion resistance and cell attachment, while coatings and nanotexturing enhance osseointegration and provide antibacterial functionality. These attributes enable widespread use in orthopedic, dental, and cardiovascular implants. Emerging developments include smart implants with embedded sensors, multifunctional surfaces, and data-driven alloy design, aiming to further optimize mechanical performance, biological response, and long-term reliability. This review summarizes the processing techniques, properties, applications, and recent advances in titanium-based biomaterials.
Biodegradable metals have emerged as promising alternatives to permanent implants because they provide temporary mechanical support while gradually degrading after tissue healing, eliminating the need for removal surgery. Among the main biodegradable systems, Fe-, Mg-, and Zn-based alloys each offer unique advantages but also face important challenges related to the balance between mechanical performance, corrosion behavior, and biocompatibility. This review summarizes recent advances in the development of these materials, focusing on how alloy design, thermomechanical processing, porous architectures, surface engineering, and additive manufacturing influence their mechanical properties and degradation mechanisms. Special attention is given to the interplay between corrosion and mechanical integrity throughout the implant lifetime, as well as to current strategies for tailoring degradation rates to match tissue healing. Finally, the review discusses the remaining challenges, including the need for standardized testing, improved long-term in vivo validation, and the development of next-generation biodegradable metallic implants with optimized structural, biological, and functional performance.
Fatemeh Nazeran, S. M. Fatemi, N. Mollaei et al.· Materials· 0 citations
Bioactive coatings have attracted considerable attention in the context of orthopedic and dental implantology, where establishing a stable and biologically active interface between the implant surface and surrounding hard tissue remains a central challenge. The present review examines the principal coating categories inorganic, organic, and hybrid with particular attention to their roles in promoting osseointegration, supporting bone regeneration, and reducing implant-associated infection in musculoskeletal and craniofacial applications. This review offers an in-depth examination of bioactive coatings, categorizing them into three main classes: inorganic, organic, and hybrid. It delves into their preparation techniques, characterization methods, and evaluation processes, detailing how these coatings are engineered and tested for optimal performance. Beyond the technical aspects, the review highlights several critical issues in the field, such as achieving long-term stability, preserving biofunctionality under physiological conditions, and enabling cost-effective scalability for broad application. Addressing these challenges could lead to significant progress, ranging from enhanced implant performance to reduced complications and improved patient outcomes. By overcoming existing limitations and integrating emerging technologies, bioactive coatings are well-positioned to play an important role in the future of medical device innovation and regenerative medicine, paving the way for more effective and personalized therapeutic solutions.
A. Shanaghi, A. Souri, Majid Naseri et al.· Science in progress· 0 citations
Titanium alloys are widely used for implants, yet corrosion, bacterial colonization and incomplete osseointegration remain important causes of interfacial failure. This review critically analyzes major biomedical functional coating fabrication techniques employed to enhance the surface properties of titanium alloys, including micro-arc oxidation, anodic oxidation, magnetron sputtering, electrochemical deposition, electrophoretic deposition, plasma spraying, physical vapor deposition, plasma immersion ion implantation, laser surface treatment, and hybrid (composite) approaches. For each method, key operational principles, structural and functional characteristics, performance advantages and limitations, and representative application domains are critically analyzed. Across these routes, biological performance depends on coating continuity, pore or nanotube geometry, interfacial bonding, phase composition and ion release. Calcium- and phosphorus-rich oxides and hydroxyapatite deposits generally promote cell adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization and osteogenic differentiation. Dense oxide, nitride, tantalum and carbon-based films strengthen corrosion barriers, whereas Mn, Zn, Cu and Ag containing surfaces can inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Excessive ion release, however, may compromise cytocompatibility. Reported outcomes also vary with test medium, exposure time, bacterial strain and cell model. Standardized quantitative endpoints and longer-term corrosion, biofilm and osseointegration studies are required to guide clinically reliable multifunctional coatings.
Chun-Ying Ji, Ya-Xuan Yi, Bin-Hui Wang et al.· Coatings· 0 citations
