This study presents a novel approach to mitigating bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance in medical implants through the integration of iodine-doping and 3D printing techniques. Iodine, with its potent antibacterial properties, and titanium alloy (Ti), a popular metal for implants due to its mechanical and biological properties, were combined via electrodeposition on 3D-printed titanium alloy (3D-Ti) implants. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the successful creation of iodine-doped titanium implants with improved iodine content due to the rough surface of the 3D-printed material. In vitro studies revealed that these implants significantly inhibited bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation and showed favorable release kinetics for iodine ions. Biocompatibility tests demonstrated no cytotoxic effects and good hemocompatibility. The implants demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria strains. The findings imply that the integration of iodine-doping and 3D printing technologies is a promising strategy for treating postoperative infections associated with medical implants, consequently bettering the prognosis for patients. Future investigations are encouraged to delve into the long-standing impacts and prospective clinical utility of this groundbreaking methodology.
© 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.