Ti-6Al-4V-5Cu synthesized for antibacterial effect in vitro and in vivo via contact sterilization

摘要

Implant-related infection is one of the most catastrophic complications after surgery,since it may trigger osteomyelitis and necessitate reoperation,increasing the pain suffered by and the burden placed on the patient.Producing a new alloy with an antibacterial effect for use as a biomedical material is an urgent requirement.In this article,Ti-6 Al-4 V-5 Cu was synthesized under two different heat treatment schemes(solution temperatures of 850℃and 950℃).Through comprehensive observation of the microstructure,phase,copper ion release,biocompatibility,corrosion resistance and antibacterial effect in vitro and in vivo,it was determined that cell viability and corrosion resistance of Ti-6 Al-4 V-5 Cu was better than Ti-6 Al-4 V.More importantly,the obtained alloy,especially samples treated at 850℃,showed prominent antibacterial ability.Meanwhile,we also found that the main antibacterial mechanism of the alloy was contact sterilization via the extensive precipitation of Ti_(2)Cu instead of Cu ion release,and the content,surface area of Ti_(2)Cu could affect the antibacterial effect.These findings provide a very promising scheme by which to balance the biocompatibility and antibacterial effect of Ti-based,Cu-bearing alloys,which could improve their performance in orthopedic and dental applications.