Hybrid oxide-polymer layer formed on Ti-15Mo alloy surface enhancing antibacterial and osseointegration functions

Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) 50/50 layer was formed on the previously anodized Ti-15Mo alloy surface and evaluated in terms of morphology (SEM), electrochemical analysis and biocompatibility (cell adhesion and biofilm formation tests). The polymer uniformly covered the porous oxide layer and filled the pores. The molar ratio of the comonomers in the copolymer was chosen to obtain the material, with degradation time of 4 weeks. The degradation process of polymer-oxide coatings was evaluated using ¹H and ¹³C NMR. The oxide and polymer-oxide layers were cytocompatible, and osteoblast-like MG-63 cells were well adhered to the modified surfaces. The hybrid gentamicin-PLGA loaded coatings formed on the titanium alloy surface exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The coatings improved the corrosion resistance of the substrate in Ringer solution. Formation of the hybrid polymer-oxide layer on the Ti-15Mo alloy surface is a promising approach to obtain ‘smart materials’.