Fabrication, characterization and investigation of bio compatibility properties of Ag, Cu and Zn doped TiO2-based nanatubes on Cp-Ti surface

Titanium (Cp-Ti) is a biomaterial that is resistant to corrosion and has high tissue acceptance. In this study, the surface of titanium was modified with different methods, antibacterial coatings with different properties were formed on the surface and thus it was aimed to increase its biocompatibility. For this purpose, 50V anodic oxidation process was applied to the commercially available titanium surface, and antibacterial Ag, Cu and Zn metals were deposited on the anodized surfaces by thermal evaporation method. Characterization studies of modified Cp-Ti surfaces were carried out by contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope analysis. After coating with Ag, Cu and Zn, the antibacterial activities of the surfaces were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. As a result of the electron microscope examinations, it was observed that a distinct and regular nanotubular structure was formed on the Cp-Ti surface with the anodization process. Nanotubular structures on the surface form binding sites for various agents and it was determined that nanotubular structures began to disappear as a result of the deposition of Ag, Cu and Zn metals on the surface by thermal evaporation. With atomic force microscopy analysis, it was determined that the anodized surfaces have an recessed-protruding-rough surface, and the roughness values on the surfaces coated with Ag, Cu and Zn increased significantly compared to the non-anodized surface. As a result of the contact angle measurements, it was determined that the contact angle of the Cp-Ti and anodized surfaces with water were 79.2° and 140.2° , respectively. The contact angles of Ag and Cu coated surfaces were higher than unanodized Cp-Ti surfaces and lower than anodized surfaces. It has been determined that the anodization process gives the Cp-Ti surfaces a significant antibacterial feature, and after the surfaces are coated with Ag, Cu and Zn, the bacteriocidal effect against S. aureus and E. coli becomes stronger. The most prominent antibacterial activity was obtained with 5 nm Ag coated surfaces. As a result, it was revealed that the surface properties and antibacterial activities of Cp-Ti surfaces used as biomaterials can be improved by various modification methods.