Microstructure and antibacterial property of in situ TiO2 nanotube layers/titanium biocomposites

The TiO2 nanotube layer was in situ synthesized on the surface of pure titanium by the electrochemical anodic oxidation. The diameter of nano- TiO2 nanotubes was about 70∼100 nm. The surface morphology and phase compositions of TiO2 nanotube layers were observed and analyzed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The important processing parameters, including anodizing voltage, reaction time, concentration of electrolyte, were optimized in more detail. The photocatalytic activity of the nano- TiO2 nanotube layers prepared with optimal conditions was evaluated via the photodegradation of methylthionine in aqueous solution. The antibacterial property of TiO2 nanotube layers prepared with optimal conditions was evaluated by inoculating Streptococcus mutans on the TiO2 nanotube layers in vitro. The results showed that TiO2 nanotube layers/Ti biocomposites had very good antibacterial activity to resist Streptococcus mutans. As a dental implant biomaterial, in situ TiO2 nanotube layer/Ti biocomposite has better and wider application prospects.

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► The TiO2 nanotube layer was in situ synthesized on the surface of pure titanium by the electrochemical anodic oxidation.
► TiO2 nanotubes have good anti-bacterial activity to resist Streptococcus mutans.
► In situ TiO2 nanotube layer/titanium biocomposite can be used as an excellent dental implant biomaterial.
► In situ TiO2 nanotube layer/titanium biocomposite has wider application prospects.