A peptide-based biological coating for enhanced corrosion resistance of titanium alloy biomaterials in chloride-containing fluids

Abstract

Titanium alloys are common materials in the manufacturing of dental and orthopedic implants. Although these materials exhibit excellent biocompatibility, corrosion in response to biological fluids can impact prosthesis performance and longevity. In this work, a PEGylated metal binding peptide (D-K122-4-PEG), derived from bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was applied on a titanium (Ti) alloy, and the corrosion resistance of the coated alloy specimen was investigated in simulated chloride-containing physiological fluids by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and micro-electrochemical measurements, surface characterization, and biocompatibility testing. Compared to uncoated specimen, the D-K122-4-PEG-coated Ti alloy demonstrates decreased corrosion current density without affecting the natural passivity. Morphological analysis using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirms a reduction in surface roughness of the coated specimens in the fluids. The D-K122-4-PEG does not affect the binding of HEK-293T cells to the surface of unpolished Ti alloy, nor does it increase the leukocyte activation properties of the metal. D-K122-4-PEG represents a promising coating to enhance the corrosion resistance of Ti alloys in physiological fluids, while maintaining an excellent biocompatibility.

Corrosion Resistance of a Plasma-Oxidized Ti6Al4V Alloy for Dental Applications

“…The combination of properties such as high specific strength, excellent resistance to corrosion in a good number of industrial environments, and biocompatibility have made titanium alloys very attractive to applications other than the aerospace industries [2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Among Ti alloys, one of the most remarkable alloys is Ti6Al4V, which is especially useful as an implant material, including dental implants, in the health sector [9][10][11][12][13][14]. The corrosion and oxidation resistance of this alloy is based on the development on their surface of a mixture of TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 oxides [15][16][17], which provide a very stable passive layer and protect the alloy against the corrosive action of substances in the environment, such as chlorides, sulphates, and acids, among others [18][19][20][21].…”

Functional chitosan gel coating enhances antimicrobial properties and osteogenesis of titanium alloy under persistent chronic inflammation

“…Titanium (Ti) is one of the most commonly used materials in orthopedic implants due to its good biocompatibility, excellent corrosion resistance, and outstanding mechanical properties ( Xu et al, 2020 ; Wang et al, 2021 ). Although Ti alloys implants have achieved good efficacy in fixing fractures, correcting deformities, and joint replacements, there is still limitation of Ti alloy implants, especially early bacteria adhesion and then biofilm formation on the implant surface, leading to implant-associated infections, which is the main cause of the high rate of implant failure in clinical practice ( Muruve et al, 2017 ; Kim et al, 2020 ). The persistent chronic inflammatory response that results in poor integration of the Ti implant interface with bone is one of the main causes of implant failure.…”

“…Such macrophage-mediated persistent chronic inflammation is detrimental to bone repair. The production of persistent tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), inducible nitrogen oxide synthase (iNOS), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H 2 O 2 can severely alter osteoblast activity and differentiation capacity leading to bone resorption ( Devasconcellos et al, 2012 ; Muruve et al, 2017 ; Li et al, 2020 ). Therefore, how to effectively improve osteogenesis and integration of the bone-implant interface on the surface of the Ti alloy implant in a persistent chronic inflammatory environment remains the focus of bone implant research.…”

Inhibiting Corrosion of Biomedical-Grade Ti-6Al-4V Alloys with Graphene Nanocoating

“…Hydroxyapatite-based coatings alter the original implant architecture, present unfavorable mechanical properties, and can detach over time (Borsari et al 2005; Duan et al 2012). The positive of metal-binding peptides is critically dependent on their concentration and delivery methods (Muruve et al 2017). Hence, the development of reproducible and stable coatings that prevent corrosion and metallic ion release is of considerable interest.…”