Poly(dopamine) and Ag nanoparticle-loaded TiO2 nanotubes with optimized antibacterial and ROS-scavenging bioactivities

Aim: To create polydopamine (PDA) and Ag nanoparticle-loaded TiO2 nanotubes coating on titanium (Ti) alloy. Materials & methods: TiO2-PDA-Ag coating was fabricated on Ti implants by electrochemical anodization. The in vitro and in vivo bactericidal and antibiofilm activities were tested. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidative capability were measured, and cell proliferation, adhesion and cell morphology were characterized. Results: TiO2-PDA-Ag coating showed satisfactory bactericidal and antibiofilm activities in vitro and in vivo, improved Ag release pattern, evident ROS scavenging properties and enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation. Conclusion: Our study successfully fabricated a PDA and Ag nanoparticle-loaded TiO2 nanotubes coating on Ti alloy. The improved Ag release kinetics and ROS-scavenging properties achieve an optimal balance between antibacterial ability and biocompatibility.