Fabrication, characterization and investigation the antibacterial properties of Ag doped TiO2- based nanotubes on Ti6Al4V alloys

Biomaterials are materials developed and produced to take over the functions of organs or tissues that have lost their function. Titanium and titanium alloys, which are widely used as biomaterials, are biomaterials that are resistant to corrosion and have high tissue acceptance. Various surface modification methods are applied to increase the compatibility of biomaterials and the surface characteristics can be adjusted to the desired extent. In this study, Ti6Al4V surface, a titanium alloy, was modified using three different methods and the changes in surface properties were investigated by SEM analysis and contact angle measurements. In addition, antibacterial activity of the surfaces against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains was also investigated. Within the scope of the study, 20 V anodic oxidation was applied to the Ti6Al4V surface and it was determined that nanotubular structures were formed on the surface. These structures allow the accumulation of various chemicals such as antibacterial agents on the surface. After the anodic oxidation application, it was determined that the contact angle of the surface with water was increased. In the continuation of the study, the anodized-Ti6Al4V surface was coated with Ag, an antibacterial agent, using thermal evaporation and electrochemical deposition methods. As a result of the SEM analysis, nanoparticle layer was formed on the surface which the electrochemical deposition method was applied, while a nano-layer Ag coating was formed on the surface which thermal evaporation was applied. Significant changes were found in the contact angle of the surfaces after both modifications. Ti6Al4V-20V materials, on which nanotubular structures are formed by anodization method, have gained significant antibacterial properties compared to non-anodized surfaces. On Ag coated surfaces, significant decreases were observed in the viability of S.aureus and E. coli strains depending on the density of the Ag layer deposited on the surface. As a result, depending on the developments in technology and manufacturing methods, surface modification methods applied to biomaterials allow the development of biocompatible and antibacterial biomaterials