Ta-Ag Coatings on TC4: A Strategy to Leverage Bioelectric Microenvironments for Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

Dental implant-related infections are serious complications after surgery that can results in loosening or even complete loss of the implant. Although endogenous electric fields (EEF) play an integral role in the human body, current methods involving external electrical stimulation are invasive and not suitable for clinical application. In this study, we using DC magnetron sputtering, investigates the effects of tantalum-silver (Ta-Ag) coatings on titanium alloy (TC4) surfaces, focusing on their potential to influence EEF that enhances antibacterial activity In this design, Ta-Ag configuration effectively increased the surface potential difference of TC4, and furthermore, promoting Ta/Ag ions release and reducing bacterial adhesion. The study concludes that the Ta-Ag coating, particularly the TT/A implant, promotes a stable EEF, enhancing the long-term antibacterial and osteogenic properties of implants. This work provides a promising strategy for developing advanced implant materials with improved clinical efficacy.