Over the past decades, there has been a high demand for novel metal-ceramic composite systems that combine metals' strength and mechanical properties with the biocompatibility of ceramics. Attempts to develop metal-ceramic implants have involved depositing ceramic alumina onto metallic substrates, but these methods face significant technological challenges, including high costs and poor adhesion. To address these issues, the proposed research introduces a novel, cost-effective metal-ceramic implant material based on a FeCrAl alloy with a biocompatible and corrosion-resistant alpha alumina surface layer. The composition of the FeCrAl substrate has been obtained using the metallurgical method. The cut and polished samples have been thermally treated in an oxygen environment under a holding regime of 1050°C for 20 hours. The oxidation regimes were determined using an empirical method, resulting in the best adhesion and oxide layer formation. The formed aluminum oxide layer consists of wave-like grooves with irregular orientations and sizes, featuring 100-200nm nanopores on the surface. The oxide layer covers the sample surface entirely, creating a continuous, 1-1.5μm thick, protective crust that adheres tightly to the substrate, preventing contamination and inflammation.

Biocompatibility studies have been focused on evaluating cell-supporting properties of metal-ceramic substrates using human fibroblast cultures. Cell morphology, adhesion, migration, proliferation, viability, and mitotic activity on the oxidized surface have been studied using light, confocal LSM, and electron SEM microscopy techniques. Densely packed cellular communities have been observed with the typical morphology of fibroblasts. The cytoplasm of the cells forms numerous elongated processes, indicating good adhesion to the substrate. Multiple contacts between cells through elongated processes are noticeable. The excellent adhesion and spreading of the cell cytoplasm on the metal surface are apparent at high magnification. The main functional compartments of the cell, including the cytoplasm (C), nucleus (N), and nucleoli, are well-defined. When spreading on the surface, the cell replicates the metal's relief.

Studied new material offers biocompatibility, manufacturability, and mechanical properties, making it as a promising candidate for future implant applications.