Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 January 2018
Hydroxyapatite (HA)/nanotubular titanium dioxide (TiO2) composite coatings loaded with antibiotics were developed to combine biocompatibility and antibacterial property. TiO2 nanotubes were first fabricated on Ti plates using anodization techniques. Then HA nanocrystals were synthesized on the TiO2 nanotubes by electrochemical deposition, followed by loading of a model drug compound, streptomycin. The streptomycin release profile of the composite coating was investigated. Bacterial tests demonstrate that the streptomycin-loaded composite coatings were highly effective in inhibiting bacterial growth. Simulated body fluid (SBF) experiments indicated that the composite coatings possessed good osseointegration capability.