Development and evaluation of micro-porous titanium scaffold for promoting neointimal growth as the blood contacting surface

Abstract

We have developed the blood contacting surface materials based on the titanium(Ti) micro-porous structure for promoting neointimal growth. The purpose of this study is the evaluation of micro porous structure and materials' properties.Ti powders were mixed with the thermoplastic wax and adjusted in 50 degC for making the injectable paste into the mold. The green specimens were sintered at 1,100 degC. These specimens were studied on mechanical strength tests and the cell adhesion evaluation. And these were also implanted around connective tissues and muscular in rat.The value of porosity and pore size were similar just the estimated value in design. The mechanical strengths and cell adhesion showed the adequate results for applying as the blood contacting surface materials. The tissue adhesion on animal experiments showed the advantages compared to bulk Ti after several weeks. These results indicated the possibility for promoting neointimal growth as the blood-contacting applications.