Antibacterial Optimization of Highly Deformed Titanium Alloys for Spinal Implants
Katarzyna Kasperkiewicz,
Roman Major,
Anna Sypien,
Marcin Kot,
Marcin Dyner,
Łukasz Major,
Adam Byrski,
Magdalena Kopernik,
Juergen M. Lackner
Affiliations
Katarzyna Kasperkiewicz
Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
Roman Major
Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Anna Sypien
Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Marcin Kot
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Marcin Dyner
Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
Łukasz Major
Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Adam Byrski
Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Magdalena Kopernik
Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Juergen M. Lackner
Institute of Surface Technologies and Photonics, Functional Surfaces, Joanneum Research Forschungsges.m.b.H., 8712 Niklasdorf, Austria
The goal of the work was to develop materials dedicated to spine surgery that minimized the potential for infection originating from the transfer of bacteria during long surgeries. The bacteria form biofilms, causing implant loosening, pain and finally, a risk of paralysis for patients. Our strategy focused both on improvement of antibacterial properties against bacteria adhesion and on wear and corrosion resistance of tools for spine surgery. Further, a ~35% decrease in implant and tool dimensions was expected by introducing ultrahigh-strength titanium alloys for less-invasive surgeries. The tested materials, in the form of thin, multi-layered coatings, showed nanocrystalline microstructures. Performed direct-cytotoxicity studies (including lactate dehydrogenase activity measurement) showed that there was a low probability of adverse effects on surrounding SAOS-2 (Homo sapiens bone osteosarcoma) cells. The microbiological studies (e.g., ISO 22196 contact tests) showed that implanting Ag nanoparticles into Ti/TixN coatings inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. aureus cells and reduced their adhesion to the material surface. These findings suggest that Ag-nanoparticles present in implant coatings may potentially minimize infection risk and lower inherent stress.