Synthesis and Antibacterial Properties of ZIF-8/Ag-Modified Titanium Alloy

The loosening of implant due to bacterial infection brings great difficulties to the implantation of bionic titanium devices. In this study, the Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework 8 (ZIF-8) and silver ions were added to the surface of titanium alloy to obtain a uniform coating, which has nice biological activity and antibacterial property. The material structure characterizations, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), proved that titanium is successfully modified with ZIF-8 and silver ions. It has micro- and nano-level characteristics, rough porous morphology, and excellent apatite inducing ability. The water contact angle experiment shows that the addition of ZIF-8 greatly increases the hydrophilicity of material, which provides conditions for the attachment of osteoblasts. The polarization curve obtained from the electrochemical test proves that the addition of ZIF-8 coating improves the corrosion resistance of titanium. The release of silver ion has a strong growth inhibitory effect on E. coli , and exhibits excellent antibacterial properties. Therefore, the preparation of ZIF-8/Ag coatings on 3D printed titanium provides a new option for the development of orthopedic implants.