Novel micro/nanostructured TiO2/ZnO coating with antibacterial capacity and cytocompatibility

Insufficient osseointegration between implants and bone, and peri-implant infection are the two most common factors contributing to implantation failure. As such, implant materials should ideally be designed with antibacterial capacity while maintaining cytocompatibility. Combining Zn, a known antibacterial agent, with micro/nanostructures on the implant surface to promote osseointegration, potentially reduces peri-implant infection. To this end, in the present study, we developed novel bifunctional micro/nanostructured titanium oxide/zinc oxide (TiO2/ZnO) coating by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) followed by hydrothermal treatment. The release rate of the Zn2+ ions was reduced by heat treatment which established a balance between antibacterial capacity and cytocompatibility. The results demonstrate a simple approach for developing a Zn-based material that balances antibacterial capacity and cytocompatibility as a promising coating material for Ti implants.