Publication

Abstract : Implant associated infections represent a major global threat to be addressed owing to the rise of antimicrobial resistant bacterial strains. This paper reports gallium oxyhydroxide (GaOOH) nanostructures grown on Ti surface via a facile hydrothermal route to obtain a multifunctional surface capable of attaining synergistic improvement of bone cell interactions and bactericidal activity. Herein, uniform nanorice shaped morphologies are developed along with a surface profile of reduced skewness (-0.4068) and kurtosis (2.54) values. Detailed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals GaOOH species on a reduced Ti surface. Ga release kinetics assessed in phosphate buffer saline solution with bovine serum albumin protein indicates steady release of Ga3 + ions within safe limits (22.8 ppb after 28 days). Improved antibacterial activity (139 % increase in bacterial inhibition after 48 h) against Escherichia coli is observed due to the Ga releasing bactericidal surface. Cell studies reveal significant improvement in osteoblast viability, with cell morphologies depicting elongated and well-spread cells. This improved cytocompatibility can be attributed to the nanorice morphology, topography, and the role of Ga in improving cell signaling. Overall, the developed GaOOH nanostructures on Ti surface offers a prospective strategy to effectively support bone cell growth, combat implant bacterial activity and complement systemic antibiotic therapy.