Titanium bone implants with superimposed micro/nano-scale porosity and antibacterial capability

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 273; pp. 310 - 314
• Main Authors: Necula, B.S., Apachitei, I., Fratila-Apachitei, L.E., van Langelaan, E.J., Duszczyk, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.05.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Antibacterial implants; Bearing; Bones; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Physics; Plasma electrolytic oxidation; Plasma sprayed; Scanning electron microscopy; Silver; Silver nanoparticles; Superimposed porosity; Titanium; Titanium dioxide; Plasma sprayed; Plasma electrolytic oxidation; Silver nanoparticles; Superimposed porosity; Antibacterial implants; Nanoparticles; Silver; Transition elements; Plasma arc spraying; Titanium; Oxidation; Porosity
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2013.02.036

This study aimed at producing a multifunctional layer with micro/nano-interconnected porosity and antibacterial capability on a rough macro-porous plasma sprayed titanium surface using the plasma electrolytic oxidation process. The layers were electrochemically formed in electrolytes based on calcium acetate and calcium glycerophosphate salts bearing dispersed Ag nanoparticles. They were characterized with respect to surface morphology and chemical composition using a scanning electron microscope equipped with the energy dispersive spectroscopy and back scattering detectors. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the formation of a micro/nano-scale porous layer, comprised of TiO2 bearing Ca and P species and Ag nanoparticles, following accurately the surface topography of the plasma sprayed titanium coating. The Ca/P atomic ratio was found to be close to that of bone apatite. Ag nanoparticles were incorporated on both on top and inside the porous structure of the TiO2 layer.