Abstract:
Hard tissue implants are highly preferred to support, replace and enhance the activity of
different parts of the body. The major problem faced by the implant is the growth of
bacteria which develops biofilm which causes inflammation. The immune system
recognizes it as a foreign object resulting in implant rejection. This study aimed to
synthesize antimicrobial implant mimicking natural composition of bone. Bare zin oxide
(ZnO) and magnesium (Mg) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were
synthesized by coprecipitation method and were characterized by Ultraviolet Visible
spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) spectroscopy, X-Ray
Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X- Ray (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR) and zeta potential. NPs were coated on titanium disc (Ti) by
biomimetic method in Stimulated Body Fluid (SBF). Discs were priorly alkaline treated
with 5 M NaOH for 3 days then heat treated at 600°C for 1 hour in electric furnace.
Antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus. Four groups were
assigned to discs on the basis of treatments and NPs. Group I discs were alkaline and heat
treated followed by dipping in SBF containing bare ZnO for 7 days, group II discs were
alkaline and heat treated followed by dipping in SBF containing Mg doped ZnO for 7
days, group III untreated discs were dipped in SBF for 7 days, group IV discs were
alkaline and heat treated followed by dipping in SBF with Mg doped ZnO for 14 days.
The surfaces were characterized using SEM. Their antibacterial activity was then
evaluated. Group IV showed enhanced antibacterial activity. Therefore, Mg doped ZnO
NPs coating on Ti Disc with alkaline and heat treatment is highly recommended as an
hard tissue implant. This coating replicates the inherent makeup of bone and was not
identified as an extraneous entity. This reduced the likelihood of rejection and showed
enhanced antibacterial activity, osseointegration, and reduced processing cost.
