Antibacterial ability of Ag-TiO2 nanotubes prepared by ion implantation and anodic oxidation

Ag-doped TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) were fabricated by ion implantation and anodization. The surface morphology, phase components and chemical composition of pure and implanted TNTs were characterized by SEM, XRD and XPS respectively. All the implanted samples kept stable releasing of silver ions within a long term. No Ag nanoparticles were observed on the surface of TNTs. In view of the potential clinical applications, Staphylococcus aureus was used to estimate the antimicrobial effects of Ag ions implanted TNTs. All the implanted samples exhibited excellent bacteriostatic effect compared to pure TNTs. The bactericidal ratio increased with increasing the dose of implanted ions. This study provides new insight to optimize the surface design of Ti-based implants to acquire more effective antimicrobial surfaces to meet clinical applications.