Surface modification of TiO2 coatings by Zn ion implantation for improving antibacterial activities

[摘要] TiO$_2$ coating has been widely applied in orthopaedic and dental implants owing to its excellent mechanical and biological properties. However, one of the biggest complications of TiO$_2$ coating is implant-associated infections. The aim of this work is to improve the antibacterial activity of plasma-sprayed TiO$_2$ coatings by plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) using zinc (Zn) ions. Results indicate that the as-sprayed TiO$_2$ coating is mainly composed of rutile phase. Zn-PIII modification does not change the phase compositions and the surface morphologies of TiO$_2$ coatings, while change their hydrophilicity. Zn-implanted TiO$_2$ coatings can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), and the ability to inhibit S. aureus is greater than that to E. coli. Zn ion release and reactive oxygen species may be attributed to improving the antibacterial activity of TiO$_2$ coating. Therefore, Zn-PIII TiO$_2$ coatings on titanium suggest promising candidates for orthopaedic and dental implants.

[学科分类] 材料工程

[关键词] TiO$_2$;zinc;plasma spray;plasma immersion ion implantation;antibacterial.