Review on Corrosion, Tribocorrosion and Osseointegration of Titanium Alloys as Biomaterials

Abstract

When introduced into the body, the implant interacts with biological environment and may suffer corrosion. In addition, when this implant is submitted to friction, it may degrade by tribocorrosion due to the simultaneous action of corrosion by the body liquid and mechanical wear. Both corrosion and tribocorrosion are connected to the presence of proteins that cover the surface implant. The latter plays an ambiguous role on corrosion since dozens of contradictory papers pointed out their beneficial or detrimental effect. After its introduction into the body, the implant should form a direct interface with bone through structural and functional connection. The osseointegration and the strength of interfacial bond depend on surface properties of the implant, namely, its topographical and physico-chemical properties. In addition, since bone cells are sensitive to the species produced during the implant corrosion, when corrosion occurs, this may lead to impact osseointegration and to cause implant loosening. There is a strong connection between corrosion and osseointegration, both of which are worth discussion. That is the object of the present narrative review where we will discuss: (1) corrosion and tribocorrosion of titanium alloys used as biomaterials paying particular attention to the influence of proteins, (2) the effect of implant roughness and surface energy on osseointegration.