Electrochemical and in vitro biological behaviors of a Ti-Mo-Fe alloy specifically designed for stent applications.

There is a deep interest in developing new Ni-free Ti-based alloys to replace 316 L stainless steel and Co-Cr alloys for endovascular stent application, mainly because the release of Ni can generate toxicity and allergenicity. Interactions of Ti alloy biomaterials with bone cells and tissues have been widely investigated and reported, while interactions with vascular cells and tissues, such as endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), are scarce. Therefore, this study focused on the relationship among the surface finishing features, corrosion behavior and in vitro biological performances regarding human ECs, SMCs and blood of a newly developed Ti-8Mo-2Fe (TMF) alloy, specifically designed for balloon-expandable stent applications.