Accelerated photo-induced hydrophilicity promotes osseointegration : an animal study

BACKGROUND: In the previous in vitro study, fluoride-modified, anodized porous titanium was proven to have enhanced its photo-induced hydrophilicity, which induced the hyperactivation of initial cell response. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate in vivo bone apposition during the early stages of osseointegration in rabbit tibiae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anodized porous titanium implants (TiU, TiUnite®, Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) were modified with 0.175 wt% ammonium hydrogen fluoride solution (NH(4) F-HF(2) ). Twenty-four hours prior to the experiments, the surface-modified implants were ultraviolet-irradiated (modTiU). Blinded and unpackaged TiU implants were used as controls. Thereafter, the implants were placed in the rabbit tibial metaphyses and histomorphometrically analyzed at 2 and 6 weeks after insertion. RESULTS: ModTiU demonstrated a significantly greater degree of bone-to-metal contact than TiU after 2 and 6 weeks of healing. CONCLUSION: The results proved that the enhanced photo-induced hydrophilicity of the NH(4) F-HF(2) -modified anodized implants promoted bone apposition during the early stages of osseointegration

Preparation and antibacterial properties of Ag-containing diamond-like carbon films prepared by a combination of magnetron sputtering and plasma source ion implantation

Ag-containing diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were prepared on austenitic type stainless steel SUS316L and silicon wafer substrates by a process combining reactive magnetron sputtering with plasma source ion implantation (PSII). An Ag disc was used as a target for the sputter source with an RF power of 100 W. A mixture of the gases Ar and C2H2 was introduced into the discharge chamber while a negative high voltage pulse was applied to the substrate holder. By changing the gas flow ratios the resulting Ag content of the films could be varied. The prepared films were composed of amorphous carbon with crystalline Ag, as observed by X-ray diffractometry and TEM. Additional sample characterizations were performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy. The surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The antibacterial activity was determined using Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. All Ag-containing diamond-like carbon films exhibited an antibacterial activity with only small variations depending on the Ag content

Preparation of Ag-containing diamond-like carbon films on the interior surface of tubes by a combined method of plasma source ion implantation and DC sputtering

Adhesive diamond-like carbon (DLC) films can be prepared by plasma source ion implantation (PSII), which is also suitable for the treatment of the inner surface of a tube. Incorporation of a metal into the DLC film provides a possibility to change the characteristics of the DLC film. One source for the metal is DC sputtering. In this study PSII and DC sputtering were combined to prepare DLC films containing low concentrations of Ag on the interior surfaces of stainless steel tubes. A DLC film was deposited using a C2H4 plasma with the help of an auxiliary electrode inside of the tube. This electrode was then used as a target for the DC sputtering. A mixture of the gases Ar and C2H4 was used to sputter the silver. By changing the gas flow ratios and process time, the resulting Ag content of the films could be varied. Sample characterizations were performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, a ball-on-disk test was performed to investigate the tribological properties of the films. The antibacterial activity was determined using Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved