Primary role of electron work function for evaluation of nanostructured titania implant surface against bacterial infection

• Published in: Materials Science & Engineering C Vol. 66; pp. 100 - 105
• Main Authors: Golda-Cepa, M., Syrek, K., Brzychczy-Wloch, M., Sulka, G.D., Kotarba, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.09.2016
• Subjects: Adhesion tests; Bacteria; Bacterial Adhesion - physiology; Electrically conductive; Electrons; Implant surface; Implants; Infection; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Nanopores - ultrastructure; Nanostructure; Nanostructured titania; Nanostructures - chemistry; Prostheses and Implants; Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus aureus - physiology; Surface Properties; Titanium - chemistry; Titanium dioxide; Work function; Work functions; Infection; Implant surface; Work function; Nanostructured titania; Staphylococcus aureus
• ISSN: 0928-4931; 1873-0191
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.04.079

The electron work function as an essential descriptor for the evaluation of metal implant surfaces against bacterial infection is identified for the first time. Its validity is demonstrated on Staphylococcus aureus adhesion to nanostructured titania surfaces. The established correlation: work function–bacteria adhesion is of general importance since it can be used for direct evaluation of any electrically conductive implant surfaces. [Display omitted] •The correlation between work function and bacteria adhesion was discovered.•The discovered correlation is rationalized in terms of electrostatic bacteria–surface repulsion.•The results provide basis for the simple evaluation of implant surfaces against infection.