Free Radicals Generated by 3-D Porous Tantalum Scaffold Antagonize the Cytotoxic Effect of Doxorubicin

+Chen, M; Hein, S; Le, D; Zou, X; Bünger, C +Orthopaedic Research Lab, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, DK, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK [email protected] INTRODUCTION: Both tantalum (Ta) and titanium have been widely used as orthopedic implants in joint replacement, tumor reconstructive surgery and spine fusion because of their excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance derived from their natural passivation oxide layer. However, it has been reported that transition metal oxides like titanium dioxide and pyrite can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce cytotoxicity (1-2). If such a mechanism is present on the nano-textured surface of titanium or Ta implants, the occurrence of radicals in the surrounding space of an orthopedic implant will raise clinical concerns of unwanted interactions with not only cells and tissues but also with drugs. Our aim is to investigate whether 3-D porous Ta scaffold can potentially undermine the cytotoxic effect of Doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used antineoplastic drug, by oxidative degradation.