| Abstract Scope |
Data-enabled approaches with experiments allow exploration of the inter-play between chemical, physical and mechanical attributes of alloys with their impact on biological behaviours. Characterisation of bulk and surface properties has been performed on eight exemplar TiNbZrSnTa of different allotropes. Their β or β+α′ (α″) crystal structure defined their mechanical properties, with dual β+α″ more suitable for load-bearing applications. As these are intended for implantation, surface assessment was a primary focus. A statistical correlation was undertaken between oxide layer composition, layer thickness, surface free energy and contact angles, and behaviour of cells progressing through adhesion, attachment, proliferation, differentiation and to maturation. Pairwise Pearson coefficient correlations, visualised in a heat-map matrix, allows elucidation of inferred agnostic correlations and supported the study of primary physical and chemical attributes most affecting cell behaviour; enabling both identification of primary contributors to osteoblastogenesis and, which experimental tests reveal stronger predictors for osteogenesis in these TNZST alloys. |