Controlled antifungal behavior on Ti6Al4V nanostructured by chemical nanopatterning

Infections associated with bone implant prostheses are mainly related to bacterial contaminations. Recent investigations have suggested an important role of opportunistic fungal cells associated with non-responding antibacterial treatments. Thus, in order to evaluate the early Candida albicans (C. albicans) behavior; we built on Ti6Al4V surfaces nanopores (NPs) with controlled diameters applying oxidative nanopatterning for 30 (NP30) and 60 min (NP60). As a result of nanopatterning NPs with diameters of 12 and 24 nm were synthesized. Physicochemical differences were observed between both types of NPs, the most highlighting of which are anatase phase formation and improved hydrophilicity of NP60. C. albicans adhesion and colonization was assessed using scanning electron microscopy and by yeast counting for viability evaluation. The fungal behavior on the substrates was significantly different, showing an initial exopolysaccharide secretion stimulated by the nanopatterned surfaces. Larger NPs led to an important reduction in viability with decreased cell-surface contact bonds. The obtained results demonstrate that special control in the fabrication of nanostructured TiO2 materials can improve the early fungal resistance, especially for dental implants.