Antibacterial activity of TiO2 nanotubes: Influence of crystal phase, morphology and Ag deposition

TiO2 nanotubes on Ti substrate were fabricated by electrochemical anodization. Ag nanoparticles were deposited on the TiO2 nanotubes by a silver mirror reaction. Antibacterial activity of the nanotubes with different structural features was evaluated by a culture test with Escherichia coli bacteria. The anatase nanotubes showed the highest antibacterial activity among three crystal phases including anatase, rutile and amorphous titania. The diameters of the nanotubes affected the antibacterial activity. The two nanotubes with 200 nm and 50 nm diameters had higher antibacterial rate than those with other diameters. The antibacterial activity of the nanotubes was independent on their lengths. Ag-deposited nanotubes exhibited excellent antibacterial activity and its antibacterial rate was up to approximately 100%. TiO2 nanotubes and Ag-deposited nanotubes on titanium should be potential for antibacterial applications in clinics and industry, especially regarding with their reusability.