Fabrication of biomimetic antibacterial titanium surfaces by hydrothermal oxidation

Within this paper we demonstrate a novel approach to create antibacterial nanostructures on the implant material titanium grade 23 by a high-pressure oxidation method. Titanium samples were oxidized and resulting nanostructures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. Antibacterial properties were tested using Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis as common lab strains. In addition, cytotoxicity was determined according to ISO 10993-5 standards. Results reveal that the fabricated nanostructures have similar antibacterial properties known from different insect wings like dragonflies or cicadas and have no cytotoxic effect.