In Vitro Evaluation of the Potential Anticancer Properties of Cu-Based Shape Memory Alloys

• Published in: Materials Vol. 16; no. 7; p. 2851
• Main Authors: Lazić, Minja Miličić, Lazić, Marko, Milašin, Jelena, Popović, Danica, Majerič, Peter, Rudolf, Rebeka
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.04.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Alloys; Aluminum base alloys; Analysis; Anticancer properties; Biocompatibility; Biological products; Biomedical materials; Bone cancer; Cancer; Care and treatment; Chemical analysis; Continuous casting; Copper; Copper base alloys; Cu-Al-Ni SMA; Diamond pyramid hardness tests; Evaluation; Hardness; Martensitic transformations; Microstructure; Nickel; osteosarcoma cells; Pattern analysis; phases; properties; Scanning electron microscopy; Shape memory alloys; Trace elements; X-rays; Germany; United Kingdom > UK; United States > US; microstructure; cells morphology; osteosarcoma cells; Cu-Al-Ni SMA; anticancer properties; phases; properties
• ISSN: 1996-1944; 1996-1944
• DOI: 10.3390/ma16072851

Due to the unique functional properties of shape memory alloys (SMAs) and current scientific interest in Cu-containing biomaterials, a continuously cast Cu-Al-Ni alloy in the form of rods has been investigated as a potential candidate for biomedical application. Additionally, the fact that Cu- complexes have an antitumour effect served as a cornerstone to develop more efficient drugs based on trace element complexes. In line with that, our study aimed to analyse the basic properties of the Cu-Al-Ni alloy, along with its anticancer properties. The detailed chemical analysis of the Cu-Al-Ni alloy was performed using XRF and SEM/EDX analyses. Furthermore, a microstructural and structure investigation was carried out, combined with hardness measurements using the static Vickers method. Observations have shown that the Cu-Al-Ni microstructure is homogeneous, with the presence of typical martensitic laths. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of two phases, β' (monoclinic) and γ' (orthorhombic). The viability of osteosarcoma cells in contact with the Cu-Al-Ni alloy was evaluated using epifluorescence microscopy, while their morphology and attachment pattern were observed and analysed using a high-resolution SEM microscope. Biocompatibility testing showed that the Cu-Al-Ni alloy exerted a considerable antineoplastic effect.