Abstract

Osteogenic differentiation and antibacterial property are two-core requirements for bone implants, but typically they are not compatible. Zinc (Zn) as a common bioactive material is widely used in the medical field. A balance between antibacterial and osteogenic activity can be achieved at appropriate Zn concentration. In this study, the TNTZ/Zn micro/nano-composites were prepared by doping Zn nanoparticles onto Ti-35Nb-2Ta-3Zr (TNTZ) surface through the friction stir processing (FSP) technique. The results of material characterization revealed the homogeneous distribution of Zn, the presence of α″ martensite, and the increase in microhardness in the stir zone. Due to the solid metallurgical bonding between Zn NPs and substrate, Zn ions were released slowly and may be biologically responsive through body fluid corrosion. In terms of biological activity, the expression of adhesion-related protein vinculin and osteogenic differentiation genes were up-regulated by TNTZ/Zn, which improved the early adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal stem cells. Besides, TNTZ/Zn presented excellent antibacterial properties, and direct contact with the fine grain surface containing Zn NPs may be the dominant mechanism. TNTZ/Zn micro/nano-composites have excellent mechanical properties, osteogenic differentiation and antibacterial properties, providing an efficient strategy for titanium alloy surface modification and showing tremendous potential in dental applications.