BIOMIMETIC HYDROXYAPATITE-SILVER COATINGS ON TITANIUM SURFACES

This study uses an in vitro experimental approach to investigate the possibility of obtaining hydroxyapatite-silver thin layers on pure titanium implants using a modified coating method. This method is based on a combined strategy involving hydroxyapatite biomimetic deposition on titanium surface using a supersaturated calcification solution (SCS) combined with silver ions reduction and in situ crystallization processes on hydroxyapatite-titanium surface by sample immersing in AgNO3 solution. The hydroxyapatite-silver deposits on titanium surfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results obtained revealed that hydroxyapatite coatings on titanium surface were formed and the silver incorporated into the apatite layer. The hydroxyapatite-silver coated titanium implants were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria and the obtained data were indicative of good antibacterial properties of the materials.