Sr and Ag Nanoparticle Incorporation in TiO2 Nanotubes to Improve Osteogenic and Antibacterial Bone Regeneration

Abstract

Any surgery that implants biomaterials might cause biomaterial-associated infection. Infection of these biomaterials causes significant healthcare morbidity. Biofilms help microorganisms colonize implant surfaces, limit phagocytosis, immune evasion, and increase systemic medication resistance. Titanium and its alloys are used for orthopedic and dental implants because of its low modulus, fatigue strength, formability, machinability, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. To promote osteointegration, titanium implant surface topography, and bioactive molecule stabilization have been investigated. However, the implant surface must be antimicrobial for long-term use. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial and osteoblastic properties of a titanium surface coated with an array of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes. Anodic oxidation has been identified as a cost-effective and efficacious method for the deposition of TiO2 nanotubes on titanium alloys [1]. The synthesis of strontium-integrated TiO2 nanotubes on the Ti6Al4V surface was achieved using hydrothermal treatment. Subsequently, silver nanoparticles were included in the nanotubes using an electrochemical technique, followed by reduction through ultraviolet irradiation (UV). Despite the potential enhancement of hydrophilicity in TiO2 nanotubes by the incorporation of strontium, the presence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) may paradoxically result in an increase in the water contact angle on the modified surface [2]. Furthermore, the release of Sr2+ has the potential to enhance the expression of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, as well as promote the adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization of osteoblasts. Nevertheless, it has been shown that the presence of AgNPs on Sr-incorporated nanotubes may effectively inhibit the adhesion and proliferation of E.coli. However, it does not seem to have any noticeable influence on the activities of osteoblast cells [3]. Therefore, the methodology used in this study is expected to have potential applicability in the surface modification of titanium for the purpose of enhancing both osseointegration and antibacterial properties, therefore promoting the healing of bones.