Antibacterial efficiencies of TiO2 nanostructured layers prepared in organic viscous electrolytes

Abstract

Using easy and cheap potential step anodization in electrolytes with different molar mass and water content, a Ti substrate was covered with a nanostructured TiO2 layer. Surface characterization of the prepared samples was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and contact angle analysis. The formation mechanism and surface morphologies are very different, depending on the molar mass and water percent of electrolyte solutions used for anodizing Ti substrate. The electrochemical behavior of the samples was studied using Tafel plots, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy recorded in a simulated body fluid. All used anodizing treatments have conducted to samples with increased corrosion protection. The paper illustrates the antibacterial efficiencies of TiO2 nanostructured layers (shielded nanotubes, nanoporous oxide layer and some remaining PEG electrolyte) quantitatively estimated using gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli ATCC 8738.