Assessment of metallic alloys biocompatibility

Abstract

Metallic alloys have been widely used for orthopedic implants since the beginning of the last century. Compared to ceramics and polymers, metallic alloys present excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. In this chapter, we review the different in vitro assays currently used to test the biocompatibility of new materials designed to be used in orthopedics: cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, mineralization of the extracellular matrix and detection of inflammatory response. In addition, the known causes of alloy toxicity, namely ion release due to material corrosion and characteristics of the material surface (wettability, charge, or topography), are also discussed.