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Keywords

Gallium Titanium Titanium, 15 Molybdenum Titanium, 45 Zirconium Powder Metallurgy Antibacterial Activity Biomaterial

Document Type

Research Paper

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of small liquid metal gallium additions (1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 wt%) on the antibacterial performance of Ti, Ti-15Mo, and Ti-45Zr alloys fabricated by the powder metallurgy method. The alloys were manufactured by sintering at 1250 °C to improve the antibacterial activity of Titanium and its alloys in biomaterial applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify the dominant compounds and phases after adding liquid gallium metal, and the antibacterial activity was also tested; the results indicate an increase in the Zone of inhibition of Ti, Ti-15Mo, and Ti-45Zr with increasing gallium/Ga content, where the Zone of inhibition increased by approximately 12, 12.5 and 18% for Ti, Ti-15Mo, and Ti-45Zr, respectively. This is attributed to Ga³⁺, which disrupts iron-dependent enzymes and metabolic pathways (e.g., DNA synthesis, electron transport), inhibiting bacterial growth. Adding Ga alters the alloy's surface topography and chemistry, reducing bacterial adhesion. A smoother or more hydrophobic surface prevents bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. Titanium and its alloys with liquid gallium metal were also shown to be non-toxic biomaterials with biocompatibility properties for MCF-10 cells. Ga additives for Ti, Ti-15Mo, and Ti-45Zr improve antibacterial performance, making these alloys promising for medical implants and reducing infection risks without relying on antibiotics. Further optimization of Ga concentration and release kinetics is critical to balance efficacy and biocompatibility.

References

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Highlights

Molds were designed and implemented for sample fabrication using powder metallurgy at 10, 15, and 30 mm. Alloys were fabricated by powder metallurgy from Ti, Ti-15Mo, and Ti-45Zr as reference materials. New alloys were made by mixing Ti, Ti-15Mo, and Ti-45Zr with 1–2.5% gallium using powder metallurgy. Gallium (1–2.5%) improved antibacterial activity of Ti, Ti-15Mo, and Ti-45Zr alloys. Gallium (1–2.5%) enhanced antiproliferative activity without cytotoxicity in the tested alloys.

DOI

10.30684/etj.2025.160012.1954

First Page

1096

Last Page

1112

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