Surface modification of Ti6Al4V alloy for implants by anodization and electrodeposition

Abstract

Ti6Al4V alloy and Ti were subjected to anodization, aiming at a defined nano-topography as a basis for further surface modifications focused on enhancement of the antibacterial properties and biocompatibility of the material for implants. The anodization parameters (voltage and time), the electrolyte composition and acidity were varied in order to grow uniform phosphate-doped nano-tube-shaped structures with a diameter of 100 nm. Subsequently, Se and Se alloys (Ag2Se and Cu2Se) were uniformly incorporated into the titania nanotubes by pulse electrodeposition. Se-doped hydroxyapatite top coating was formed by precipitation. The electrochemical respond of modified Ti-based substrates and the electrodeposition process of Se and Se alloys were studied by cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemically and chemically treated surfaces were characterized by EDX, SEM, FIB, Raman spectroscopy and XRD. In vitro experiments with bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis were conducted to evaluate the ability of the modified surfaces to prevent biofilm formation. Most promising results were obtained with Se–pTNT and Cu2Se–pTNT.

Keywords

• titania nanotube
• selenium
• copper selenide
• silver selenide
• hydroxyapatite