Develop new technology to improve antibacterial effect of titanium alloy

Researchers have developed a new technique for making titanium alloy, one of the key materials for advanced surgery. Implants designed according to this new method will greatly speed up and facilitate recovery from trauma, the researchers say.

With age, the mechanical properties and elasticity of bone injury decrease significantly, requiring long-term treatment. Using implants made of unmodified metals and alloys can cause complications and may require a second operation later. Materials that inhibit bacterial activity make implants safer and more reliable. To this end, Russian researchers have developed a method of spraying Ti-Zr-Nb titanium alloy with antibacterial coating.

The experimental results showed that the new treatment method could completely inhibit the growth of EScherichia coli on the implant surface. At low doses of silver (about 0.037 mg/ L), it is completely safe for the body and has achieved remarkable antibacterial effect. The researchers say the "hit" on the bacteria is carried out by silver ions. The nanoparticles that release them are chemically synthesized in a complex alcohol solution, which makes them just 10 nanometers in size. As a result, silver is deposited in the pores of the material to a depth of up to 60 nanometers, greatly improving the durability and antibacterial effect of the coating.