The effects of Ti and Ta particle surface chemistry on inflammation, osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo

Tantalum (Ta) and its alloys have attracted extensive attention in orthopedic field, while the underlying mechanism of abrasive debris effects on bone remains unveiled. Therefore, it is essential to explore the effects of Ta wear particle characteristics on macrophage, osteoblast and osteoclast response. In this study, spherical Ti and Ta particles with similar sizes were employed as material models to mimic wear debris. It was found that Ti or Ta particle surfaces were covered by a naturally formed oxide layer, with Ta particle surfaces possessing more hydroxyls and lower zeta potential. The in vitro results showed that Ta particles exhibited much milder modulatory effects on osteoblast, macrophage and osteoclast response than Ti particles. Moreover, the in vivo osteolytic effect of Ta particles was much weaker than that of Ti particles after the injection of these particles into the cranial sites of mice for 2 weeks.