In vitro and in vivo studies of anti-bacterial copper-bearing titanium alloy for dental application

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are extensively applied in clinic as preferred metallic medical materials due to their excellent combination of mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility [1]. However, titanium and its alloys are inert materials in biological environment, i.e., they have less bioactive functions, such as antimicrobial activity, promotion of osteogenesis, etc. [2]. It has been known that the adherence and colonization of bacteria on the surface of implants can lead to formation of biofilm, a firm layer composed of bacteria with the secreted glycoproteins and polysaccharides, which can cause infection and inflammation like peri-implantitis probably resulting in the failure of implantation [3].
Source: Dental Materials - Category: Materials Science Authors: Source Type: research