The synergistic effect of Ag and ZnO on the microstructure, corrosion resistance and in vitro biological performance of titania coating

Abstract

Surface coatings with the improved antibacterial capability and osteogenic activity are highly favoured for titanium (Ti)-based orthopaedic implants. Herein, Ag, Zn co-modified titania was synthesized using the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) as Ag sources and ZnO NPs as Zn sources. The synergistic effects of Ag and ZnO additions not only result in the significant modification of their existing forms, but also promote the formation of two different types of CaP phases, namely Zn-incorporated dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) crystal and submicron-sized amorphous CaP phase deposition of porous appearance. Anti-corrosion, antibacterial and osteogenic experiments prove that the synthesis strategy of Ag, Zn co-modified titania provides a promising way for Ti-based bioceramic coatings for orthopaedic implants.