Antimicrobial Potential of Copper-Containing Titanium Surfaces

What is it about?

The application of antimicrobial surfaces to titanium alloy (Ti) implants would be beneficial to prevent implant-associated infections of joint endoprostheses and osteosyntheses. Copper (Cu) could be advantageously applied for this purpose, since it exhibits a well-known antimicrobial activity and is a trace element in the human body, i.e., it is non-toxic in small concentrations. This approach was evaluated with two plasma-based surface modification procedures: 1) Impl{fntation of Cu ions into Ti by means of plasma immersion ion implantation (Plll) and 2) Coating of Ti surfaces with Cu-Ti films by means of dual high power impulse magnetron sputtering (dual HiPIMS).

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Why is it important?

Implant surfaces with antimicrobial properites.