Surface functionalization of titanium with zinc/strontium-doped titanium dioxide microporous coating via microarc oxidation.

Deficient osseointegration and implant-related infections are pivotal issues for the long-term clinical success of titanium (Ti) implants. Zinc (Zn) and strontium (Sr) serve dual functions by promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting bone destruction, and Zn has good antibacterial activity. As such, this study examined the preparation of a Zn/Sr-doped titanium dioxide microporous coating (MT-Zn/Sr) on a Ti surface using microarc oxidation (MAO), with Zn and Sr evenly distributed throughout the coating. In vitro, the coating could promote the adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts, showing good biological activity. Antibacterial testing demonstrated the good antibacterial activity of the coating, as it inhibited the proliferation of Staphylococcus. In vivo, MT-Zn/Sr promoted early osseointegration between the Ti substrate and the bone tissue. This work is expected to provide a new method for improving the biological activity of Ti implants and thus has important theoretical significance and great clinical prospects.