Effects of Build Orientation on Surface Morphology and Bone Cell Activity of Additively Manufactured Ti6Al4V Specimens

Additive manufacturing of lightweight or functional structures by selective laser beam (SLM) or electron beam melting (EBM) is widespread, especially in the field of medical applications. SLM and EBM processes were applied to prepare Ti6Al4V test specimens with different surface orientations (0°, 45° and 90°). Roughness measurements of the surfaces were conducted and cell behavior on these surfaces was analyzed. Hence, human osteoblasts were seeded on test specimens to determine cell viability (metabolic activity, live-dead staining) and gene expression of collagen type 1 (Col1A1), matrix metalloprotease (MMP) 1 and its natural inhibitor, TIMP1, after 3 and 7 days. The surface orientation of specimens during the manufacturing process significantly influenced the roughness. Surface roughness showed significant impact on cellular viability, whereas differences between the time points day 3 and 7 were not found. Collagen type 1 mRNA synthesis rates in human osteoblasts were enhanced with increasing roughness. Both manufacturing techniques further influenced the induction of bone formation process in the cell culture. Moreover, the relationship between osteoblastic collagen type 1 mRNA synthesis rates and specimen orientation during the building process could be characterized by functional formulas. These findings are useful in the designing of biomedical applications and medical devices.