Enhanced Antibacterial Properties of Titanium Surfaces through Diversified Ion Plating with Silver Atom Deposition.
Everton Granemann Souza, Chiara das Dores do Nascimento, Cesar Aguzzoli, Elena Sarai Baena Santill��n, Carlos Enrique Cuevas-Su��rez, Patricia da Silva Nascente, Evandro Piva, Rafael Guerra Lund
Author Information
Everton Granemann Souza: Graduate Program in Electronic and Computer Engineering, Catholic University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96015-560, Brazil. ORCID
Chiara das Dores do Nascimento: Graduate Program in Electronic and Computer Engineering, Catholic University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96015-560, Brazil.
Cesar Aguzzoli: Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Caxias do Sul, Caxias 95070-560, Brazil. ORCID
Elena Sarai Baena Santill��n: Academic Area of Dentistry, Autonomous University of Hidalgo, Pachuca de Soto 42080, Mexico. ORCID
Carlos Enrique Cuevas-Su��rez: Academic Area of Dentistry, Autonomous University of Hidalgo, Pachuca de Soto 42080, Mexico. ORCID
Patricia da Silva Nascente: Biology Institute, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-560, Brazil.
Evandro Piva: Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, Brazil. ORCID
Rafael Guerra Lund: Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, Brazil. ORCID
In this study, we investigate the antibacterial effect of silver atoms implanted into a thin surface layer of titanium at low energies using an alternative ion plating technology called Diversified Ion Plating. Silver atoms were incorporated into titanium samples using reactive low-voltage ion plating at 2 keV and 4 keV. Surface modifications and morphology were evaluated using wettability, profilometry measurements, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. For a precise determination of the quantity and depth of implanted silver atoms on titanium surfaces, a combination of experimental techniques such as Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry along with Monte Carlo simulations were utilized. To assess the antibacterial effects of the silver atoms incorporated into pure titanium surfaces, bacterial suspension immersion tests were performed with a standard strain of (ATCC 12600). The outcomes indicate that titanium surfaces implanted with silver atoms were more effective in inhibiting the growth of than pure titanium surfaces. Better results were found when the deposition was performed at 4 keV, indicating that a deeper implantation of silver, spanning a few nanometers, can result in a longer and more effective release of silver atoms. These findings suggest the potential for the development of new, cost-effective biomaterials, paving the way for improved implant materials in various health-related applications.
