Recommended solutions for the disinfection of Ti-Zr-Cu-Pd bulk metallic glasses (March 2026)

This Paper will be included in the Materials Letters Scientific Journal volume 412 in June 2026, accessible via the following links https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167577X26003885?via%3Dihub and https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2026.140428

Abstract – Disinfection of medical devices is crucial to patient safety. Notably, an incorrect selection of disinfectant can damage the material surface and impact its performance. Ti-Zr-Cu-Pd bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) show considerable potential for biomedical use, however standard sterilisation protocols remain undeveloped. This study evaluates the effects of common clinical disinfection solutions, including NaOH, NaClO, and Virkon®, on Ti-Zr-Cu-Pd BMGs, to assess their impact on surface characteristics (chemical composition, surface free energy) and on biocompatibility (pre-osteoblast cells behaviour). The findings aim to inform practical guidelines for safe and effective cleaning and sterilisation of devices that contain these alloys.