Tracking the chemically active Zn NPs to unravel the electrochemical activity evolution of Ta2O5 bone-like surface

Surface biofunctionalization has been researched for hard tissue implant applications. In this study, Zn nanoparticles (NPs) were deposited by magnetron sputtering onto CaP-enriched micro/nano-porous Ta2O5 surfaces. The electrochemical evolution of the surfaces through active Zn NPs (coated or not by a carbon delivery layer) was monitored in artificial saliva for 14 days. The Zn NPs led to a decrease in the corrosion resistance, as the surfaces became electrochemical active, revealing a diffusional behavior. The carbon barrier layer shows the ability to control the Zn NPs' mobility and, consequently, the ion release. These results open opportunities for the development of bio-multifunctional medical devices (osseointegration and antimicrobial functions) with controlled chemical activity.