Hydroxyapatite Nanocrystal Deposited Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes Loaded with Antibiotics for Combining Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Properties

Hydroxyapatite (HA)/nanotubular titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) composite coatings loaded with antibiotics were developed to combine biocompatibility and antibacterial property. TiO 2 nanotubes were first fabricated on Ti plates using anodization techniques. Then HA nanocrystals were synthesized on the TiO 2 nanotubes by electrochemical deposition, followed by loading of a model drug compound, streptomycin. The streptomycin release profile of the composite coating was investigated. Bacterial tests demonstrate that the streptomycin-loaded composite coatings were highly effective in inhibiting bacterial growth. Simulated body fluid (SBF) experiments indicated that the composite coatings possessed good osseointegration capability.