Introduction: Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) Ti-based materials demonstrate good prospects for orthopedics and dentistry applications. Porous 3D structures have smooth infinite surfaces that partition the space into two labyrinths without selfintersections and are periodic in three independent directions. Ti6Al4V powder is often used for bone implant production due to additional functionality, modulus of elasticity, and strength. Therefore, 3D materials with excellent anti-corrosion properties are very close to the human bone tissue and can manufacture long-term bone implants. The implant surface characteristics define a significant role in the first stages of the regenerative process. Biocompatible properties mainly depend on surface bioactivity

Aim: The aim of our research was to assess the bioactivity of 3D Ti6Al4V scaffolds surface by SBF immersion test.

Materials and methods: 3D Ti6Al4V scaffolds with TPMS Primitive topology were manufactured by a Concept Laser Mlab Cusing R selective laser melting (SLM) machine (Lichtenfels, Germany) from medical certificated DIN EN ISO 22674 Rematitan® CL powder (Ispringen, Germany) (Ti – 90%, Al – 6%, V – 4%). The size of the minimal pore was 675 µm. Samples were immersed in 50 ml of the SBF for 7 and 14 days at 37 °C.  Samples were washed with distilled water and air-dried at 45 °C.  The tested samples’ surface morphology and chemical composition were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX).

Results: There was no evidence of hydroxyapatite crystallization after 7 days of immersion in SBF. However, the formation of the Carbon-based pellicles was observed. The nucleation of the first Ca-P deposits is detected at 14 days of immersion. They are located between spheres representing the macro surface structure of the 3D samples.   

Conclusions: SBF is a powerful tool for the in vitro evaluation of the apatite-forming ability of implant materials and its bioactive properties. Results of our investigation point to the requirements of the additional surface treatment to enhance their bioactive properties.

Acknowledgment: This research was funded by  Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine 0119U100823.