Antimicrobial silver-containing titanium oxide nanocomposite coatings by a reactive magnetron sputtering

Abstract A silver-containing titanium oxide nanocomposite layer was synthesized on a commercially-pure titanium (cp-Ti) substrate by a reactive pulsed DC magnetron sputtering. The oxygen partial pressure was controlled to improve the mechanical and antibacterial properties and to sustain the biocompatibility for the implantable devices. The films were analyzed by a series of techniques including FESEM, HR-XRD, and XPS. The film's mechanical properties were determined by a nano-indenter and scratch tester. Antibacterial activity was assessed by the silver ion release test and the plate-counting method used against Staphylococcus aureus. An agar diffusion test was performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity in terms of the biocompatibility. Silver nanoparticles mainly existed at the surface region and these contributed to improved mechanical properties, such as increased hardness and a lower friction coefficient. Moreover, the relationship between silver ion release and the antibacterial activity of the films was explored. The results confirmed that the magnetron sputtered silver-containing titanium oxide nanocomposite coatings have good mechanical properties and are applicable as an efficient antibacterial layer with sustained biocompatibility.