Nanocrystallization of Ag-incorporated stainless steel surface for enhanced resistance to corrosion and bacterial colonization

摘要

Incorporating silver as an antimicrobial compound into the surface of medical implants may directly attack bacteria, thus preventing bacteria-induced infections. However, it was demonstrated that stainless steel (frequently used as an implant material) incorporated with Ag, though exhibiting enhanced anti-bacterial capability, showed a decreased resistance to corrosion in the physiological environment. In this study, we demonstrate a promising approach for suppressing both the corrosion and the bacterial colonization of stainless steel by a combination of silver incorporation and surface nanocrystallization.