Development of multifunctional Si-Ca-PEG-nAg sol–gel implant coatings from calcium-2-ethoxyethoxide

Abstract

Titanium implant success is compromised by microbial biofilms and aseptic loosening. This research aimed to develop robust multifunctional class II organic-inorganic hybrid coatings for implants with osteoconductive and antibacterial properties. 3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane was coupled with organic polymer poly(ethylene) glycol-diamine (PEG-NH2) for integration into an inorganic sol backbone composed of tetraethoxysilane and calcium, which was sourced from newly synthesized calcium-2-ethoxyethoxide. Nuclear magnetic resonance and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed synthesis of precursors and the structure of coating constituents. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) demonstrated homogenous coatings, micro-topographical surface features, and apatite-like ex vivo mineralization in simulated body fluid. Tensile adhesion testing demonstrated robust and highly adherent (15.1 ± 3.3 MPa) coatings on titanium substrates. Hybrid coatings imbedded with silver nanoparticles (nAg) significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli planktonic cultures and biofilm formation. These Si-Ca-PEG-nAg hybrid coatings for titanium implants offer robust multifunctional features.