Characterization of Particulate Silver Coating for Biomedical Implants

In this paper, the particulate silver coating containing nano-silica for biomedical implant was created by the electroplating technique. The characterization of the coating was assessed via its weight, surface morphology images, the concentration of silver ions release in the simulated body fluid (SBF), and the anti-bacterial properties of the silver coating against Escherichia Coli (E.Coli) bacteria. The experimental results indicated that the weight and structure of the coating depended on the nano-silica amount adding to the plating solution. The plating solution containing the silica nanoparticles content of 0.1 g/L created the grain silver coating with a fairly uniform dispersion of silica nanoparticles on the silver particle surface. The nano-silica improved the adhesion of the coating. The study results also showed that the silver ion concentration release in SBF after 168 h decreased by 10 times in comparison with the non-nano silica coating. Simultaneously, these coatings still ensured their anti-bacterial ability of up to 99% in 60 min of exposure against E.Coli bacteria.