Biocompatibility and thermoplastic formability of Pt-based metallic glasses

•Ni-amount in Pt-based metallic glasses is below toxic limit.•Ni-free Pt-Cu-Ag-P metallic glass exhibits high thermoplastic formability and biocompatibility.•The biocompatibility of Pt-based metallic glasses is sensitive to the Cu content.•The supercooled liquid temperature range is not an indicator of thermoplastic formability. Pt-based metallic glasses are considered for biomedical applications, but the presence of Ni poses the cytotoxicity concerns. Here, we compare the in vitro cell response and thermoplastic formability of Ni-free and Ni-containing Pt-based metallic glasses. Three glass forming compositions, Pt57.5Cu14.7Ni5.3P22.5, Pt58.7Cu20.3Ag1P20, and Pt57Cu23P20 were investigated. The Ni-free Pt-Cu-Ag-P metallic glass combines the best combination of biocompatibility and thermoplastic forming.