Fabrication of Mg and Ag dual-doped Ta 2 O 5 nanorod-patterned Ta to enhance antibacterial ability and bioactivity

To enhance the osseointegration and antibacterial activity of orthopedic implants, Ta 2 O 5 nanorods doped with Mg and Ag were prepared by hydrothermal method. Compared with Ta 2 O 5 nanorods, the doping of Ag does not change the phase, and Ta 2 O 5 nanorods become rough at high Ag content. MgAg3–MgAg6 has no phase or morphology change, and Ag nanoparticles are formed on MgAg1 and MgAg2. Ag-doped and MgAg co-doped Ta 2 O 5 nanorods destroyed the bacterial membranes of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , resulting in the leakage of intracellular substances and strong antibacterial ability. Under the microstructure of 3D nanorods, due to the influence of Mg and Ag doping and the balance of ion release, MgAg5 nanorods significantly promote osteogenic differentiation while improving cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity, which can be a good choice for surgical implants. However, more detailed data with pre-clinical studies are needed to confirm these observations, and for using them for specific applications. Graphical abstract