Titanium surface functionalization with calcium-doped ZnO nanoparticles for hard tissue implant applications

Implant-associated infections remain a significant challenge in orthopaedic and dental implants because they frequently result in implant failure, extended hospital stays, reoperations, and increased healthcare costs. Studies have shown that the cost of managing orthopaedic implant infections can range from USD 30,000 to over USD 100,000 per case, depending on severity and required surgical interventions. One of the primary pathogens responsible for these infections is Staphylococcus aureus, known for its potential to make biofilms on the surfaces of implants. To address this problem, this study investigates the formation of calcium phosphate-based biomimetic coatings substituted with calcium-doped ZnO nanoparticles on titanium discs to strengthen the antibacterial properties and enhance tissue integration. The SEM analysis of discs revealed uniform and dense coating layers with negligible surface defects, indicating a strong adhesive coating on titanium discs. The biomimetic-coated titanium implants with Ca-doped ZnO NPs were then evaluated for antibacterial activity using a closed system in an in vitro biofilm model. In case of 14 days treated disc, a significant increase in the antibacterial properties was observed against (Staphylococcus aureus, p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that calcium phosphate-based biomimetic coatings, doped with calcium-doped ZnO NPs show great potential for reducing the risk for implant-associated infections and improving the success rate of implants in clinical settings.