Additively manufactured Ti–Ta–Cu alloys for the next-generation load-bearing implants

Highlights Ti3Al2V demonstrated comparable mechanical performance to Ti6Al4V. Adding 3 wt.% Cu in Ti3Al2V reduced planktonic bacteria colonies by 78%–86% compared to commercially pure Ti. Ti3Al2V–10Ta displayed the best in vivo biocompatibility with 3.5-fold higher bone formation than Ti6Al4V. Ti3Al2V–10Ta–3Cu multifaceted alloy has the potential to replace Ti6Al4V in orthopedic and dental applications with superior early-stage osseointegration and inherent antibacterial performance.