Effects of silver plasma immersion ion implantation on the surface characteristics and cytocompatibility of titanium nitride films

•Low concentrations Ag ion was implanted into TiN film by plasma immersion ion implantation.•Implanted sample shows better cytocompatibility.•Treated sample preserved desirable surface properties.

Titanium nitride (TiN) coatings are commonly used on surgical instruments for its suitable hardness as well as excellent chemical inertness properties. Silver (Ag), as an antibacterial agent, is implanted into TiN films by plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). The changes in the surface characteristics are investigated and rat calvaria osteoblasts are cultured to evaluate the cytocompatibility. The results indicate that Ag PIII samples implanted with small amounts of Ag have good cytocompatibility while the desirable surface properties are preserved.