Abstract
In this study, the surfaces of Ti–Ag casting alloys were modified by chemical treatment (acid etching combined with alkaline treatment) to produce hybrid micron and submicron porosities, sponge-like nanostructures and Ag-containing particles. The surface characteristics, ion release, pH values, antibacterial activities and cell responses of the chemically treated Ti–Ag (Ti–Ag(CT)) samples were investigated. The antibacterial activities of the Ti–Ag(CT) samples were assessed using Staphylococcus aureus, and these samples showed strong antibacterial activities that were attributed to Ag ion release and Ag-containing particles. The effects of Ti–Ag(CT) samples on cells were assessed using MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts; samples with 1 and 3 wt.% Ag showed higher cell adhesion and higher alkaline phosphatase values than those of commercially available pure Ti samples. These results indicated that Ti–Ag casting alloys with 1 and 3 wt.% Ag modified by chemical treatment prevented bacterial infection and have latent capacities to promote osseointegration.
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