A comparative study of cell growth on a cold sprayed Ti–Ta composite

This study aims to explore the biocompatibility and cell growth of a Ti–Ta composite coating made from solid state cold spraying deposition. Unlike the traditional Ti–Ta alloy structures, cold spray additive manufacturing provides an opportunity to create intimate contact between Ti and Ta free of phase transformation. Experimental results of a comparative study to determine successful cell growth on as sprayed and polished Ti–Ta composite were presented. In particular, improved cell propagation on composite Ti–Ta was observed compared to the wrought CP Ti (reference material) which perhaps related to the surface potential variation resulting from the intimate contact between Ti and Ta through cold spraying. Outcomes of this study, for example, could potentially benefit osseointegrity by understanding the relationship between coupling of biocompatible materials and the mechanism that encourages cell growth.