Antibacterial Properties and Corrosion Resistance of the Newly Developed Biomaterial, Ti–12Nb–1Ag Alloy

Abstract

Currently, the development of biomaterials has focused on having a low Young's modulus, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial properties. Ti-Nb alloys have higher research value due to their excellent corrosion resistance and low Young's modulus. In recent years, the antibacterial properties of materials have been enhanced by the addition of Ag and Cu. Therefore, the corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties of the Ti-12Nb-1Ag alloy formulated in the current study were investigated and compared to those of commonly used Ti alloys, G2 pure Ti (ASTM B348 CP Grade 2), and Ti-6Al-4V, via electrochemical and E. coli antibacterial tests. Meanwhile, we also carried out a microstructural analysis to investigate the composition of the alloy. The results were as follows: (1) The electrochemical test demonstrated that Ti-12Nb-1Ag had a higher corrosion resistance than Ti-6Al-4V, which is similar to the properties of pure Ti. (2) The E. coli antibacterial test demonstrated that the sterilization rate of Ti-12Nb-1Ag was higher than that of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy and pure Ti. (3) The microstructural analysis revealed that Ti-12Nb-1Ag had an acicular martensite structure, with nano-Ag precipitates observed. Based on the results of the E. coli antibacterial test and the principles of sterilization of nano-precipitates and Ag, we inferred that the nano-Ag precipitates of Ti-12Nb-1Ag enhanced the antibacterial properties of the newly developed biomaterial, which is, namely, the Ti-12Nb-1Ag alloy.

CORROSION BEHAVIOUR OF Ti-Nb-Ag POWDER METALLURGICAL ALLOYS AND THEIR POTENTIAL APPLICATION AS BIOMATERIALS

“…Likewise, the difference between the corrosion resistance of Ti35NbXAg respect to the performance of other Ti alloys evaluated in similar electrolytes is unsignificant [1,4,7,8].…”

“…The Fusayama artificial saliva (NaCl 0. Hartmann solution (NaCl 5.97 g/L, KCl 0.37 g/L, CaCl2 0.22 g/L, Na lactate 3.25 g/L, pH 6.5) were used as the electrolytes [4]. For ion release tests samples were submerged in both solutions at 37ºC for 730 hours.…”

“…Although β alloys with low elastic modulus, high corrosion resistance and great biocompatibility have been obtained, there is still a high rate of inflammation and infection when implanting these materials in the human body [2][3]. Silver is an element recognized by its high bactericidal properties and it has been used in the field of medicine to avoid infections [4]. The release of silver ions greatly increases the potential bactericidal properties of these alloys and its presence in the metal is quite sufficient to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms on the materials.…”

A systematic review on improving the biocompatibility of titanium implants using nanoparticles

“…Biomaterial are typically expected to be integratable with the biological system and stimulate minimum adverse tissue response [1,2]. Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used in medicine and dentistry because they exhibit minimal immunogenic potential in vivo and display superior biostability and biocompatibility in comparison to allogenic grafts and other biomaterial [3][4][5]. In contrast, Ti is a bioinert metal and thus does not initiate the initial cellular responses required to achieve biocompatibility [6].…”

Complex Multi-System Integration Problems Associated with Titanium Metalworking and Manufacture: System of Systems Aproach—Part I

“…Some small but burgeoning exceptions lie in biomedical use and additive manufacturing. Titanium alloys, because of their high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance, have been widely used in biomedical implants [9][10][11] . Additive manufacturing (AM) is a desirable method for titanium alloy parts' fabrication, as it provides a low waste alternative for complex geometries [12].…”