Non-antibiotic bactericidal titanium surface via laser oxidation
Yulia Yu. Karlagina1, Valery V. Khmelevsky1, Nikita A. Afanasiev1, Svetlana A. Ulasevich1, Galina V. Romanova1 and Vadim P. Veiko1; 1 ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
Abstract
This report investigates a novel technological approach for enhancing the functionalization of titanium implant surfaces. The research focuses on the application of localized laser treatment to achieve multifaceted improvements in implant performance. A primary objective of this technology is the substantial enhancement of the titanium surface's bactericidal properties. This is accomplished through the photogeneration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within a engineered titanium dioxide film, which is formed via laser-induced heterogeneous oxidation. ROS effectively mitigates bacterial colonization, a critical factor in preventing implant-related infections and ensuring long-term implant viability. To increase the surface area, preliminary surface microstructuring was performed by direct laser writing of microchannels in ablation mode. The second step of laser processing involved the formation of thin oxide films with microrelief on the surface by laser oxidation. A comparative study of the photocatalytic activity of the microstructured and oxidized surfaces formed by two-stage laser processing was carried out.
Beyond its antimicrobial attributes, laser treatment confers additional functionalities. Laser oxidation make posible the color identification of titanium products through the optical interference in thin oxide films. This provides practical advantages for product differentiation. Furthermore, the findings presented herein demonstrate the potential for creating biocompatible and osteoinductive surfaces. Through the application of local laser ablation, a specific and advantageous surface microgeometry can be engineered with a favorable alteration of the surface's chemical composition. This tailored surface modification exhibits considerable potential for promoting optimal tissue integration and accelerating osseointegration, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Karlagina Yu.Yu. acknowledges the financial support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (No. FSER-2025–0007).
Speaker
Yulia Karlagina
ITMO University
Russia
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