Titania sol-gel coatings with silver on non-porous titanium and titanium alloys

The objective of the work was to prepare and characterize titania sol-gel coatings on non-porous titanium and newly developed titanium alloys. Basic titania sol contained two forms of silver. Titania sol without silver was used as a reference sample. Coatings were prepared by dip-coating technique during stirring and fired. Coatings after firing were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. All titania coatings were measured to determine their adhesive and bactericidal properties. Adhesion of the coatings to the substrate was measured by tape test. Gram-negative bacteria E. coli was used for the bactericidal test. Coated substrates were immersed into suspension of E. coli in physiological solution for 24 hours. The in vitro cytotoxicity test was performed after one day. The bactericidal effect without toxicity was confirmed for selected coatings.