Fabrication of porous TiO2 foams by powder metallurgy technique and study of bulk crushing strength for biomedical application.

Despite the importance of porous titanium oxide (PA-TiO₂) in diverse functional applications, very little information is available on the compatible mechanical properties for potential biomedical applications. In this study, PA-TiO₂ foam was synthesized using space-holding powder metallurgy and sintering methods to produce interconnected opened-cell structure with surface morphology of mountain-like features associated with the extensive rift valley system. Three different types of PA-TiO₂ foams with porosities of 35-52% and mean pore diameter of 190-210 μm were fabricated for evaluating the effect of porosity on mechanical properties of bulk PA-TiO₂. The modulus of elasticity of PA-TiO₂ foams exhibited in the range of 45-262 MPa which was within the range of modulus of elasticity of human cancellous bone. Cytotoxicity test is performed in vitro analysis to observe the effect of cell toxicity to produce osteointegration when used as implantable materials. There was no cytotoxicity effect found and remarkable cell growth was observed for human cancerous (HeLa) cell line. However, there was no cytotoxicity effect found and cell growth was not observed for Vero cell line. This study suggested that PA-TiO₂ facilitates cell growth without spreading toxicity and has mechanical properties of cancellous bone. Hence, it has potential application as implant and medical devices in biomedical applications.