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The susceptibility to the fouling of the NiTi and Ti6Al4V alloys due to the adhesion of microorganisms and the biofilm formation is very significant, especially in the context of an inflammatory state induced by implants contaminated by bacteria, and the implants corrosion stimulated by bacteria. The aim of this work was to examine the differences between the sulphur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) strains in their affinity for NiTi and Ti6Al4V alloys. The biofilms formed on alloy surfaces by the cells of five bacterial strains (aerobic SOB Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, and anaerobic SRB Desulfovibrio desulfuricans—3 strains) were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The protein concentrations in liquid media have also been analyzed. The results indicate that both alloys tested may be colonized by SOB and SRB strains. In the initial stage of the biofilm formation, the higher affinity of SRB to both the alloys has been documented. However, the SOB strains have indicated the higher (although differentiated) adaptability to changing environment as compared with SRB. Stimulation of the SRB growth on the alloys surface was observed during incubation in the liquid culture media supplemented with artificial saliva, especially of lower pH (imitated conditions under the inflammatory state, for example in the periodontitis course). The results point to the possible threat to the human health resulting from the contamination of the titanium implant alloys surface by the SOB (A. thiooxidans and A. ferrooxidans) and SRB (D. desulfuricans).Graphical abstract

The paper presents the results on biofilm formation induced by pure Desulfovibrio desulfuricans strains and its effect on corrosion behaviour of 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS). Biofilm formation and damage process stimulated by D. desulfuricans strains are analysed with reference to their metabolic activity and to the surface characterisation of structure and configuration of the biofilm. Electrochemical techniques are applied to monitor bacterial attachment to the steel surface and to determine the influence of bacteria on the passivity and corrosion resistance of 2205 DSS. The obtained results prove that 2205 DSS is rapidly colonised by D.desulfuricans and that the biofilms formed affect its corrosion resistance. Bacterial activity leads to the more noble corrosion potential values and to the increased current densities on the potentiodynamic polarisation curves. SEM observations reveal micropits as well as signs of crevice attack on the steel surface.

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