2011 Volume 6 Issue 3 Pages 693-699
In present study, the effect of the ultrasound wave stimulation in acceleration of the osteocondutibity of bio-active pure titanium was investigated. Pure titanium (99.9% Ti) processed in chemical and heat treatments was used as a specimen, and soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) under pulsed ultrasound wave for the planned time periods. The surface of samples was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, etc, to assess the state of hydroxyapatite formation.
SEM images showed that a richer and finer layer of calcium and phosphate compounds covered the titanium surface in the ultrasound wave group as compared with the non-ultrasound group. The measurements of mass of specimens also indicated the efficiency of ultrasound waves for hydroxyapatite formation.
These findings suggest that the nucleation and crystallization of apatite on bio-active material surfaces might be promoted by micro-moving and cavitation of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound waves. We propose that pulsed ultrasound stimulation has a great potential for further improvement of osteointegration and osteoconductivity for medical bio-active implants.
