Bio-inspired additive texturing of Ti-6Al-4V using laser powder bed fusion and its feasibility analysis for biomedical applications

Bio-inspired surface textures derived from the Namibian desert beetle (Stenocara gracilipes) and papillae structure of lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera) were fabricated using Ti-6Al-4V alloy through the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique. The textured samples were benchmarked against untextured and casted references to evaluate morphology, wettability, tribology, and biocompatibility. The Namibian beetle and lotus papillae texture were produced defect-free with high geometric fidelity. Quantitative roughness established that beetle textures (87.6 µm) were substantially rougher than lotus textures (50.3 µm). Further, wettability analysis revealed that both textured surfaces exhibited hydrophilic behaviour, but the beetle texture followed the Wenzel regime and exhibited the highest surface free energy (51.72 mJ m⁻²). These geometric differences also strongly influenced the mechanical response. The beetle texture achieved the lowest and most stable COF (0.13-0.22) due to debris entrapment, contrasting sharply with the lotus texture's higher COF (0.29-0.31). Furthermore, textured surfaces offered superior wear resistance under high loads and lubrication. Their biological performance differed critically; specifically, cell viability assays confirmed that lotus leaf textures promoted the highest fibroblast proliferation (72.7%). The findings indicate that nature-inspired LPBF texturing markedly improves wear resistance and cytocompatibility, presenting a viable solution for advanced biomedical implants.