Design of antibacterial inorganic nanostructured surfaces by combinatorial glancing angle deposition of sacrificial anode nanocolumns

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Manfred Köller; Professor Dr.-Ing. Alfred Ludwig
• Subject Area: Biomaterials ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 288776485

This joint project aims at the design, development and evaluation of novel antibacterial inorganic nanostructured surfaces with combined structural and chemical functionality. In the group of Prof. Ludwig nanocolumnar surfaces will be fabricated by combinatorial glancing angle deposition (Combi-GLAD). The morphology (e.g. tip shape) and chemical composition (e.g. decoration with sacrificial anode elements like Au/Ag) of the Ti- or Ta-based nanocolumns will be tailored to achieve efficient antibacterial functionality. In the group of Prof. Köller, the antibacterial effects as well as tissue cell compatibility of the nanostructured surfaces will be studied. The results will be discussed together in order to improve the design and fabrication of the surfaces in the next optimization cycle. The innovative material design process shall lead to an optimized surface, which shows a self-limited and effective antibacterial activity as well as sufficient tissue cell compatibility. An optimized surface could be used in future implants and medical devices.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants