Despite advances in medicine, infections of orthopedic and dental implants are still a common complication, caused primarily by the formation of bacterial biofilms, which reduces the effectiveness of the immune system and antibiotics. One approach to reduce this risk is to use implants with antibacterial properties. In our study, we investigated a titanium alloy with 4% copper (Ti-6Al-4V-4Cu) in a C57BL/6JOlaHsd mouse model. Our goal was to evaluate potential systemic effects of the implant on the growth, metabolism, and overall well-being of the animals. We monitored body weight, feed and water intake, and behavioral responses. We also determined the effect of the implant on hematological and biochemical parameters as indicators of immune response and organ function. The results showed that incorporation of copper into the alloy did not induce systemic inflammation or toxicity, as blood parameter values remained within reference ranges, and no differences were observed in weight gain or feed and water consumption between groups. These findings confirm that the Ti-6Al-4V-4Cu alloy is biocompatible and potentially useful for further research, where the additional antibacterial properties of copper could improve the safety of implants.
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