Bioactive and antibacterial boron doped TiO ₂ coating obtained by PEO

Eradication of implant centered infection remains a clinical challenge as the biofilm formation protects the bacteria. Bactericidal surfaces represent an effective tool in the prevention of biofilm formation, although the bactericidal agent cannot be cytotoxic to assure a proper implant osseointegration. Boron is a trace element, beneficial to bone formation and bactericidal against several strains. In this research, a boron containing coating was obtained on a titanium surface by plasma electrolytic oxidation. Its bioactivity and bactericidal activity were evaluated and compared to a boron-free coating. Boron presence has not changed the morphology, roughness and crystalline structure of the coating. Adipose derived stem cells culture revealed the coating biocompatibility and its bactericidal activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study revealed for the first time the bactericidal activity of a biocompatible boron doped TiO ₂ coating.