Simplified chemical deposition of Cu2O/Ag nanoparticle on titanium alloy with robust early antibacterial activity and retained efficacy after mechanical abrasion

Implant-associated infections (IAIs) are severe complications following orthopedic procedures involving implanted materials. Previous researchers had created various antibacterial coatings to prevent early postoperative infections. Nevertheless, these coatings frequently lack the wear-resistant properties necessary for long-term effectiveness, and their production process is intricate. To overcome this challenge, we developed and employed a chemical technique, incorporating Ag or Cu 2 O nanoparticles uniformly into the surface of titanium alloys to confer antibacterial properties. The microstructure and elemental composition of the coating were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Our results demonstrated that the coating exhibited potent antibacterial activity, eliminating nearly all adhered bacteria within the first 6 hours. Prolonged friction test results revealed that the coating retained notable antibacterial activity and excellent biocompatibility. Notably, the straightforward fabrication process of this coating could allow for its application on implants of various shapes and materials, underscoring its potential for broad clinical adoption. In summary, this simple chemical method for surface modification of titanium alloys could provide long-lasting antibacterial properties, offering a cost-efficient and transformative strategy for preventing implant-associated infections. Graphical A. Preparation and characterization of the Ag or Cu2O nanoparticle coatings based on titanium alloy. This simple chemical deposition method for surface modification of titanium alloys provides long-lasting antibacterial properties and wear resistance. B. In-vitro antibacterial activity assay. The number of bacteria on the Ag and Cu-coated samples was significantly reduced compared to the control group. The bacterial surfaces in the samples showed significant damage, such as rupture, collapse, and distortion. C-D. In-vivo antibacterial assay of the acute osteomyelitis models and subcutaneous infection models. These nanoparticle coatings exhibit excellent in vivo antibacterial properties and maintain favorable antibacterial efficacy even after prolonged wear. Created in BioRender. Fang, J. (2025) https://BioRender.com/v64b128