Balance of the antibacterial activity and cell viability of calcium and copper co-doped Ta2O5 on tantalum surface

Abstract

Calcium (Ca), as one of the main elements of human bone, can effectively promote cell differentiation and improve cell viability. In addition, Cu2+ also has the function of broad-spectrum sterilization. In this study, the Ta2O5 nanorods were prepared by hydrothermal treatment (HT) of tantalum and doped with Ca2+/Cu2+. The Ca2+/Cu2+-doped Ta2O5 nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX). The release kinetics of Ca2+ and Cu2+ were studied by ICP. The related biological properties were evaluated by antibacterial test, MTT experiment, cell/bacterial SEM observation and simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion, in order to obtain the best modification process and provide a theoretical basis for the modification of tantalum. The Ca2+/Cu2+ co-doped sample CaCu3 has not only good antibacterial activity that can reach 93.30%, but also less cytotoxicity and better cell adhesion, and the doping amount of Ca2+ and Cu2+ is 4.38 at.% and 2.13 at.% respectively. The Ca2+/Cu2+ co-doped samples have structure stability in normal saline and excellent apatite-inducing ability in SBF. Calcium and copper co-doped Ta2O5-modified tantalum has promising applications in orthopedic and dental repair and replacement.