Issue 17, 2025

Metal-polydopamine coordinated coatings on titanium surface: enhancing corrosion resistance and biological property

Abstract

Previous studies on polydopamine (PDA)-modified titanium implants have primarily focused on single-metal-ion systems (e.g., Ag+, Cu2+, or Zn2+), while overlooking the interplay between corrosion resistance, antioxidant retention, and antimicrobial efficacy under clinically relevant oxidative conditions. Here, we present a comparative analysis of Ag-, Cu-, and Zn-integrated PDA coatings fabricated via a two-step coordination strategy, addressing these limitations through systematic multi-parameter evaluation. Unlike prior studies, this study reveals distinct metal-PDA interaction mechanisms: XPS/EDS analyses confirm Zn2+ and Cu2+ form coordination complexes with PDA's catechol groups, whereas Ag+ undergoes reduction to metallic nanoparticles (Ag0), leading to divergent ion-release profiles (Zn2+ > Cu2+ > Ag+) and biofunctional outcomes. Electrochemical testing under H2O2-simulated oxidative stress demonstrates Zn-PDA coatings exhibit superior corrosion resistance (polarization resistance: 4330 vs. 3900 and 2850 kΩ cm2 for Cu-PDA and Ag-PDA, respectively), while Ag-PDA achieves the highest antibacterial efficacy (>95% reduction against S. aureus and E. coli). Notably, Zn/Cu-PDA coatings retain >80% of PDA's intrinsic antioxidant capacity, in contrast to Ag-PDA, which exhibits significant antioxidant depletion due to redox interference. In vivo rat models further differentiate our approach: all coatings show comparable soft-tissue integration and systemic biosafety, contrasting with earlier reports of Ag-induced cytotoxicity. By elucidating metal-specific performance trade-offs and establishing a design framework to balance corrosion resistance, ROS scavenging, and antimicrobial activity, this work advances clinically adaptable strategies for enhancing peri-implant tissue stability.

Graphical abstract: Metal-polydopamine coordinated coatings on titanium surface: enhancing corrosion resistance and biological property

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
13 Jan 2025
Accepted
17 Apr 2025
First published
28 Apr 2025
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

RSC Adv., 2025,15, 13603-13617

Metal-polydopamine coordinated coatings on titanium surface: enhancing corrosion resistance and biological property

Y. Mei, Y. Zhu, Y. Wei, S. Li, X. Zhou, Y. Yao and J. Qiu, RSC Adv., 2025, 15, 13603 DOI: 10.1039/D5RA00301F

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