Contributions of Ti-xTa cold spray composite interface to in-vitro cell growth

Surface charge of biomaterials is one of the most influential parameters on regulating the complex processes of cell responses in tissue engineering. This study explores the contributions of xTa (x ​= ​5; 10; 30 in wt%) interface with the Ti as matrix on the in-vitro cell growth when such composites were produced through cold spray additive manufacturing. Preliminary results reveal that formation of intimate contact between deposited Ti and Ta splats provides meaningful differences in work function, results in an estimated surface potential variation around 50 ​mV, that ultimately influence cell growth. Increasing mass fraction of Ta in the chosen cold sprayed Ti-xTa composites was beneficial to initial cell attachment and proliferation upon the surface. Electrochemical response of cold sprayed coatings indirectly proves that Ta may act as anode and Ti performs as cathode in the electrochemical cells with possible surface charge gradient that allow to design and adapt biomaterials surfaces to a specific application. Understanding the mechanism of cell growth upon the surface of cold sprayed Ti-xTa composites will contribute to design of biomaterial surface for promising osseointegrity in biomedical applications.