Controlled aggregation of Ag nanoparticles on oxide templates on nitinol by electrodeposition

Nitinol is an unusual material for hard-tissue replacements because of their unique superelasticity, biocompatibility, and low elastic modulus. Nitinol surface was modified by plasma electrolytic oxidation with an aim to produce oxide film on the surfaces for inhibiting Ni ion release. In addition, various Ag structures were constructed on the oxide templates on nitinol using electrodeposition in an AgC2H3O2-based solution for improving the antibacterial ability. Control of the electrolyte by collagen concentration caused a change in Ag shape and aggregation. Preferred growth along Ag (1 1 1) by orientated attachment of the Ag led to the formation of Ag dendrites in the AgC2H3O2 solution. Spherical Ag nanostructures, which were well dispersed on the templates, were obtained by electrodeposition in an AgC2H3O2-collagen solution on templates. Increasing the concentration of collagen caused aggregated Ag to form coarse spherical structures with a non-uniform distribution.