Composite Coatings of Chitosan and Silver Nanoparticles Obtained by Galvanic Deposition for Orthopedic Implants

In this work, composite coatings of chitosan and silver nanoparticles were presented as an antibacterial coating for orthopedic implants. Coatings were deposited on AISI 304L using the galvanic deposition method. In galvanic deposition, the difference of the electrochemical redox potential between two metals (the substrate and a sacrificial anode) has the pivotal role in the process. In the coupling of these two metals a spontaneous redox reaction occurs and thus no external power supply is necessary. Using this process, a uniform deposition on the exposed area and a good adherence of the composite coating on the metallic substrate were achieved. Physical-chemical characterizations were carried out to evaluate morphology, chemical composition, and the presence of silver nanoparticles. These characterizations have shown the deposition of coatings with homogenous and porous surface structures with silver nanoparticles incorporated and distributed into the polymeric matrix. Corrosion tests were also carried out in a simulated body fluid at 37 degrees C in order to simulate the same physiological conditions. Corrosion potential and corrosion current density were obtained from the polarization curves by Tafel extrapolation. The results show an improvement in protection against corrosion phenomena compared to bare AISI 304L. Furthermore, the ability of the coating to release the Ag+ was evaluated in the simulated body fluid at 37 degrees C and it was found that the release mechanism switches from anomalous to diffusion controlled after 3 h.

Automated summary

In this study, composite coatings of chitosan and silver nanoparticles were developed as antibacterial coatings for orthopedic implants. The coatings were deposited on AISI 304L using the galvanic deposition method. Physical-chemical characterizations showed that the coatings had uniform and porous surface structures with incorporated silver nanoparticles. Corrosion tests demonstrated improved corrosion protection compared to the bare AISI 304L. The ability of the coating to release silver ions in the simulated body fluid was also evaluated and showed a switch in release mechanism after 3 hours.