The comparative biological properties of Mg+ or Ca+ implanted Cu–TiN nanocomposite coatings on titanium alloys

Abstract

In this paper, Cu–TiN nanocomposite coatings on titanium alloys were prepared by multi-target co-sputtering system. On this basis, Mg or Ca ions at the same doses were then implanted into the Cu–TiN coatings respectively via plasma immersion ion implantation system (PIII) to further improve their biological properties. The corrosion resistances, protein adhesion rates, in vitro cell proliferation and bacterial inhibition capabilities of Mg + implanted Cu–TiN and Ca+ implanted Cu–TiN were also compared. The results showed that the Mg+ implanted Cu–TiN showed (i) improved corrosion behavior, (ii) higher protein adsorption capacity, (iii) ideal cell proliferation and adhesion, (iv) better antimicrobial properties. The research results showed that compared with Ca, Mg and Cu–TiN combined better in osteogenetic and antibacterial activities, which could provide a good choice for the surface modification of medical materials.