Anodic Etching Surface Treatment and Antibacterial Properties of Ti-Cu

This study used an anodic etching (AE) method to construct a hierarchical rough surface on the surface of the Cu-bearing antibacterial titanium alloy, Ti-xCu (x = 3, 5, 7 wt%), a three-dimensional structure with nested micro-/submicro-pores and internal cavities, which is conducive to the adhesion and growth of bone cells. After AE treatment, with increase of the Cu content in the alloy, the surface of Ti-Cu alloy became sharper, with more fine micropores and internal cavities, thus increasing the surface area. The results indicated that the AE/Ti-Cu alloy exhibited good antibacterial properties and had the effect of inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation. AE treatment could increase the Cu ions release of Ti-Cu alloy in saline, and the higher the Cu content in the alloy, the more Cu ions release, resulting in stronger antibacterial performance of the alloy. AE/Ti-Cu alloy showed excellent biocompatibility, similar to the pure Ti. Therefore, anodic etching is a safe and effective surface treatment method for Ti-Cu alloy, with good clinical application prospects.