Silver oxide nanoparticles-decorated tantala nanotubes for enhanced antibacterial activity and osseointegration of Ti6Al4V

Abstract A long-term antibacterial activity of implants without compromising their biocompatibility is highly desirable to minimize the biomaterial-associated infections. Although tantalum oxide nanotubes (Ta 2 O 5 NTs) are promising coating materials for orthodontics and orthopedics applications, their insufficient antibacterial activity retains vulnerability to post-implantation infections. This study aimed to endow antibacterial characteristics to the Ta 2 O 5 NTs-coated Ti6Al4V substrates by decoration of silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag 2 O NPs). The well-adherent Ta 2 O 5 NTs were grown via anodization of a pure tantalum (Ta) layer coated by physical vapor deposition (PVD) on the Ti6Al4V substrates. The Ag 2 O NPs were then decorated on the edges and walls of nanotubes through a secondary PVD under controlled conditions. The silver oxide nanoparticles-decorated tantala nanotubes (Ag 2 O NPs-decorated Ta 2 O 5 NTs) promoted the formation of bone-like apatite layer and significantly reduced the viability of Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) cells. The prepared coating also increased the density and spreading of osteoblast cells in comparison to bare substrate. These results suggest that decorating the Ta 2 O 5 NTs with Ag 2 O nanoparticles could improve antibacterial activity and the osseointegration of Ti6Al4V implants.