Enhanced Bactericidal Effect of Calcinated Mg–Fe Layered Double Hydroxide Films Driven by the Fenton Reaction

Osteogenic and antibacterial abilities are the permanent pursuit of titanium (Ti)-based orthopedic implants. However, it is difficult to strike the right balance between these two properties. It has been proved that an appropriate alkaline microenvironment formed by Ti modified by magnesium–aluminum layered double hydroxides (Mg–Al LDHs) could achieve the selective killing of bacteria and promote osteogenesis. However, the existence of Al induces biosafety concerns. In this study, iron (Fe), an essential trace element in the human body, was used to substitute Al, and a calcinated Mg–Fe LDH film was constructed on Ti. The results showed that a proper local alkaline environment created by the constructed film could enhance the antibacterial and osteogenic properties of the material. In addition, the introduction of Fe promoted the Fenton reaction and could produce reactive oxygen species in the infection environment, which might further strengthen the in vivo bactericidal effect.