Enhanced vascularization and osseointegration under osteoporotic conditions through functional peptide coating on implant surfaces.

Patients with osteoporosis face challenges such as decreased bone density, a sparse trabecular structure, weakened osteogenic ability, and impaired angiogenesis, leading to poor osseointegration and implant failure. Surface modification of implants with biologically active molecules possessing various functions is an effective strategy to improve osseointegration. In this study, we constructed a simple multifunctional coating interface that significantly improves osseointegration. In brief, a multifunctional coating interface was constructed by coupling the Rgd adhesive peptide, Ogp osteogenic peptide, and Ang angiogenic peptide to Lys6 (k6), which self-assembled layer by layer with TA to form the (TA-Rgd@ogp@ang)n composite membrane. This study characterized the surface morphology and biomechanical properties of the coating under both gas and liquid phases and monitored the deposition process and reaction rate of the two peptides with TA using a quartz crystal microbalance. Moreover, (TA-Rgd@ogp@ang)n exhibited a triple synergistic effect on cell migration and adhesion, osteogenic differentiation, and angiogenesis. It also ameliorated the high ROS environment characteristic of osteoporosis pathology, promoted angiogenic bone defect regeneration in osteoporosis, thereby avoiding poor osseointegration. This work provides a new approach for the prevention of implant failure in pathological environments by constructing multifunctional coatings on implants, with tremendous potential applications in the fields of orthopedics and dentistry.

A melanin-like polymer bearing phenylboronic units as a suitable bioplatform for living cell display technology.

Surface display of functional groups with specific reactivity around living cells is an emerging, low cost and highly eco-compatible technology that serves multiple applications, ranging from basic biochemical studies to biomedicine, therapeutics and environmental sciences. Conversely to classical methods exploiting hazardous organic synthesis of precursors or monovalent functionalization via genetics, here we perform functional decoration of individual living microalgae using suitable biocoatings based on polydopamine, a melanin-like synthetic polymer. Here we demonstrate the one-pot synthesis of a functional polydopamine bearing phenylboronic units which can decorate the living cell surfaces via a direct ester formation between boronic units and surface glycoproteins. Furthermore, biosorption of fluorescent sugars on functionalized cell membranes is triggered, demonstrating that these organic coatings act as biocompatible soft shells, still functional and reactive after cell engineering.

Nanotopography Influences Host-Pathogen Quorum Sensing and Facilitates Selection of Bioactive Metabolites in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Co-Cultures.

Orthopedic implant-related bacterial infections and resultant antibiotic-resistant biofilms hinder implant-tissue integration and failure. Biofilm quorum sensing (QS) communication determines the pathogen colonization success. However, it remains unclear how implant modifications and host cells are influenced by, or influence, QS. High aspect ratio nanotopographies have shown to reduce biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a sepsis causing pathogen with well-defined QS molecules. Producing such nanotopographies in relevant orthopedic materials (i.e., titanium) allows for probing QS using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. However, nanotopographies can reduce host cell adhesion and regeneration. Therefore, we developed a polymer (poly(ethyl acrylate), PEA) coating that organizes extracellular matrix proteins, promoting bioactivity to host cells such as human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs), maintaining biofilm reduction. This allowed us to investigate how hMSCs, after winning the race for the surface against pathogenic cells, interact with the biofilm. Our approach revealed that nanotopographies reduced major virulence pathways, such as LasR. The enhanced hMSCs support provided by the coated nanotopographies was shown to suppress virulence pathways and biofilm formation. Finally, we selected bioactive metabolites and demonstrated that these could be used as adjuncts to the nanostructured surfaces to reduce biofilm formation and enhance hMSC activity. These surfaces make excellent models to study hMSC-pathogen interactions and could be envisaged for use in novel orthopedic implants.

Antimicrobial Surface for Devices Used in Stem Culture Manipulation and In Vitro Biofabrication of Tissues.

Cell therapy and engineered tissue creation based on the use of human stem cells involves cell isolation, expansion, and cell growth and differentiation on the scaffolds. Microbial infections dramatically can affect stem cell survival and increase the risk of implant failure. To prevent these events, it is necessary to develop new materials with antibacterial properties for coating scaffold surfaces as well as medical devices, and all other surfaces at high risk of contamination. This chapter describes strategies for obtaining antibacterial blends for coating inert surfaces (polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)). In particular, the procedures for preparing antibacterial blends by mixing polymer resins with two types of antibacterial additives and depositing these blends on inert surfaces are described.

Nanotechnological Antibacterial and Conductive Wound Dressings for Pressure Ulcer Prevention.

The development of pressure ulcers, associated with increased temperature and moisture in specific areas of the body, and the risk of microbial infections in patients lying in a static position for prolonged periods of time represents a serious issue in medicine. In order to prevent the formation of pressure ulcers, this work aims to present advanced nanostructured coatings developed by three research groups. Nanometric silver, ash and functionalized torrefied biomass were the basis for the treatment of wound dressings to improve thermal conductivity and antimicrobial properties of the conventional cotton gauzes. Each treatment was performed according to its own optimized method. The treated fabrics were characterized in terms of antimicrobial properties, heat transfer, morphology and hydrophobic behavior. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the deposition treatments also in synergistic actions. In particular, the antibacterial efficacy was improved in all the samples by the addition of silver treatment, and the thermal conductivity was enhanced by around 58% with nanometric ashes. A further step of the study involved the designing of two multilayer systems evaluated using circuit models for determining the total thermal conductivity. In this way, both systems were designed with the aim to guarantee simultaneous efficacy: high antibacterial and hydrophilic properties at the skin level and more hydrophobic and conductive behaviors toward the external environment.

Suppressing hydrogen evolution and promoting dendrite free zinc deposition by fluorinated triazine framework towards robust aqueous zinc ion batteries.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have become a research hotspot, but the inevitable zinc dendrites and parasitic reactions in the zinc anode seriously hinder their further development. In this study, three covalent triazine frameworks (DCPY-CTF, CTF-1 and FCTF) have been synthesized and used as artificial protective coatings, in which the fluorinated triazine framework (FCTF) increases the zinc-philic site, thus better promoting dendritic free zinc deposition and inhibiting hydrogen evolution reactions. Excitingly, both experimental results and theoretical calculations indicate that the FCTF interface adjusts the deposition of Zn2+ along the (002) plane, effectively alleviating the formation of zinc dendrites. As expected, Zn@FCTF symmetric cells exhibit cycling stability of over 4000 h (0.25 mA cm-2), meanwhile Zn@FCTF//NHVO full cells provide a high specific capacity of 280 mAh/g at 1.0 A/g, which are superior to those of bare Zn anode. This work provides new insights for suppressing hydrogen evolution and promoting dendrite-free zinc deposition to construct highly stable and reversible AZIBs.

Novel metabolite madeirone and neomarinone extracted from Streptomyces aculeoletus as marine antibiofilm and antifouling agents.

Introduction: Biofouling poses a significant economic threat to various marine industries, leading to financial losses that can reach billions of euros annually. This study highlights the urgent need for effective alternatives to traditional antifouling agents, particularly following the global ban on organotin compounds. Material and methods: Streptomyces aculeolatus PTM-346 was isolated from sediment samples on the shores of the Madeira Archipelago, Portugal. The crude extract was fractionated using silica flash chromatography and preparative HPLC, resulting in two isolated marinone compounds: madeirone (1), a novel marinone derivative discovered in this study, and neomarinone (2). The antifouling activities of these compounds were tested against five marine bacterial species and the larvae of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Additionally, in silico and in vivo environmental toxicity evaluations of madeirone (1) and neomarinone (2) were conducted. Results: Madeirone (1) demonstrated significant antibiofilm efficacy, inhibiting Phaeobacter inhibens by up to 66%, Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus by up to 60%, and Cobetia marina by up to 40%. Neomarinone (2) also exhibited substantial antibiofilm activity, with inhibition rates of up to 41% against P. inhibens, 40% against Pseudo-oceanicola batsensis, 56% against M. hydrocarbonoclasticus, 46% against C. marina, and 40% against Micrococcus luteus. The growth inhibition activity at the same concentrations of these compounds remained below 20% for the respective bacteria, highlighting their effectiveness as potent antibiofilm agents without significantly affecting bacterial viability. Additionally, both compounds showed potent effects against the settlement of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae, with EC50 values of 1.76 µg/mL and 0.12 µg/mL for compounds (1) and (2), respectively, without impairing the viability of the targeted macrofouling species. In silico toxicity predictions and in vivo toxicity assays both support their potential for further development as antifouling agents. Conclusion: The newly discovered metabolite madeirone (1) and neomarinone (2) effectively inhibit both micro- and macrofouling. This distinct capability sets them apart from existing commercial antifouling agents and positions them as promising candidates for biofouling prevention. Consequently, these compounds represent a viable and environmentally friendly alternative for incorporation into paints, primers, varnishes, and sealants, offering significant advantages over traditional copper-based compounds.

Antibacterial Food Packaging Nanomaterial Based on Atomic Layer Deposition for Long-Term Food Storage.

The aim of the present work is to use the latest achievements of nanotechnology (atomic layer deposition, ALD) in the field of food packaging to prevent biofilm formation by food-associated bacteria. Some potential applications of nanotechnology in the food packaging industry are studied in the manuscript, in the field of antibacterial materials for food packaging. The ALD technique was used to synthesize vanadium (V)-doped TiO2 thin nanofilm on commercially available polypropylene (PP) food container to enhance an antibacterial activity for potential use in food packaging, to reduce spoilage, thereby, prolonging the food shelf- life. To better understand the ability and effectiveness of the antimicrobial packaging material of V-doped TiO2, to prevent the biofilm formation by dairy-associated pathogenic bacteria, the coated and uncoated PP containers with a fresh raw cow's milk were tested. We have illustrated the effectiveness of ALD Al2O3 + TiVOx nanocoating against populations of milk-borne pathogenic bacteria.

Screening of Lithium Substituted Ag-TiO2 Nanoparticle Coating for Antibiofilm Application.

Bacterial infections and biofilm growth are common mishaps associated with medical devices, and they contribute significantly to ill health and mortality. Removal of bacterial deposition from these devices is a major challenge, resulting in an immediate necessity for developing antibacterial coatings on the surfaces of medical implants. In this context, we developed an innovative coating strategy that can operate at low temperatures (80 °C) and preserve the devices' integrity and functionality. An innovative Ag-TiO2 based coating was developed by ion exchange between silver nitrate (AgNO3) and lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) on glass substrates for different periods, ranging from 10 to 60 min. The differently coated samples were tested for their antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy.

Exploring the Potential of Anthocyanin-Based Edible Coatings in Confectionery-Temperature Stability, pH, and Biocapacity.

This study aims to develop purple-coloured polymeric coatings using natural anthocyanin and desoxyanthocianidins (3-DXA) colourants for application to chocolate almonds. The objective is to achieve a stable and uniform colour formulation throughout processing and storage, enhancing the appearance and durability of the almonds to appeal to health-conscious consumers and align with market demands. Plant materials like sweet potato pulp, sweet potato peel, radish peel, black carrot, and sorghum were employed to obtain the desired purple hue. Anthocyanidins and 3-DXA were extracted from the matrices using solvent extraction and ultrasound-assisted methods at different pH values. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) were used to identify the compounds in the extracts. The highest antioxidant capacities, as measured by the DPPH• and FRAP methods, were observed in purple sweet potato and dye factory extracts, respectively; meanwhile, sorghum extract inhibited both α-amylase and α-glucosidase, indicating its potential for managing postprandial hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes. The degradation kinetics of coloured coatings in sugar syrup formulations with anthocyanins and 3-DXA revealed that locust bean gum offered the best colour stabilization for plant extracts, with sorghum extracts showing the highest and black carrot extracts the lowest colour variation when coated with Arabic gum. Sweet potato pulp extracts exhibited less colour variation in sugar pastes, both with and without blue spirulina dye, compared to factory dye, highlighting their potential as a more stable and suitable alternative for colouring purple almonds, particularly over a five-month storage period. This study supports sustainable practices in the confectionery industry while aligning with consumer preferences for healthier and environmentally friendly products.

Trimethylsilane Plasma-Nanocoated Silver Nanowires for Improved Stability.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of trimethylsilane (TMS) plasma nanocoatings in protecting silver nanowires (AgNWs) from degradation and thus to improve their stability. TMS plasma nanocoatings at various thicknesses were deposited onto AgNWs that were prepared on three different substrates, including glass, porous styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS), and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). The experimental results showed that the application of TMS plasma nanocoatings to AgNWs induced little increase, up to ~25%, in their electrical resistance but effectively protected them from degradation. Over a two-month storage period in summer (20-22 °C, 55-70% RH), the resistance of the coated AgNWs on SEBS increased by only ~90%, compared to a substantial increase of ~700% for the uncoated AgNWs. On glass, the resistance of the coated AgNWs increased by ~30%, versus ~190% for the uncoated ones. When stored in a 37 °C phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution for 2 months, the resistance of the coated AgNWs on glass increased by ~130%, while the uncoated AgNWs saw a ~970% rise. Increasing the TMS plasma nanocoating thickness further improved the conductivity stability of the AgNWs. The nanocoatings also transformed the AgNWs' surfaces from hydrophilic to hydrophobic without significantly affecting their optical transparency. These findings demonstrate the potential of TMS plasma nanocoatings in protecting AgNWs from environmental and aqueous degradation, preserving their electrical conductivity and suitability for use in transparent electrodes and wearable electronics.

Physico-Chemical Properties of Copper-Doped Hydroxyapatite Coatings Obtained by Vacuum Deposition Technique.

The hydroxyapatite and copper-doped hydroxyapatite coatings (Ca10-xCux(PO4)6(OH)2; xCu = 0, 0.03; HAp and 3CuHAp) were obtained by the vacuum deposition technique. Then, both coatings were analyzed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and water contact angle techniques. Information regarding the in vitro antibacterial activity and biological evaluation were obtained. The XRD studies confirmed that the obtained thin films consist of a single phase associated with hydroxyapatite (HAp). The obtained 2D and 3D SEM images did not show cracks or other types of surface defects. The FTIR studies' results proved the presence of vibrational bands characteristic of the hydroxyapatite structure in the studied coating. Moreover, information regarding the HAp and 3CuHAp surface wettability was obtained by water contact angle measurements. The biocompatibility of the HAp and 3CuHAp coatings was evaluated using the HeLa and MG63 cell lines. The cytotoxicity evaluation of the coatings was performed by assessing the cell viability through the MTT assay after incubation with the HAp and 3CuHAp coatings for 24, 48, and 72 h. The results proved that the 3CuHAp coatings exhibited good biocompatible activity for all the tested intervals. The ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853 ATCC (P. aeruginosa) cells to adhere to and develop on the surface of the HAp and 3CuHAp coatings was investigated using AFM studies. The AFM studies revealed that the 3CuHAp coatings inhibited the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms. The AFM data indicated that P. aeruginosa's attachment and development on the 3CuHAp coatings were significantly inhibited within the first 24 h. Both the 2D and 3D topographies showed a rapid decrease in attached bacterial cells over time, with a significant reduction observed after 72 h of exposure. Our studies suggest that 3CuHAp coatings could be suitable candidates for biomedical uses such as the development of new antimicrobial agents.

An Investigation of the Effect of Novel Mono/Bi-Layered PVD-Coated WC Tools on the Machinability of Ti-5Al-5V-5Mo-3Cr.

The Ti-5Al-5V-5Mo-3Cr (Ti-5553) alloy is a relatively novel difficult-to-cut material with limited machinability and tool life analysis available in the literature, and hence requires further investigation. This study focuses on the machining and tribological performance of Ti-5553 under high-speed finish turning (150 m/min, 175 m/min, and 200 m/min) via novel mono/bi-layered PVD-coated WC tools. A base AlTiN coating is used as the reference monolayer coating, with AlCrN, diamond-like ta-C, and TiAlSiN coatings each deposited on top of a base AlTiN coating, totaling four separate coated tools (one monolayer and three bi-layer). Tool life, cutting forces, workpiece surface quality, and tribological chip analysis are among the subjects of investigation in this study. Overall, the AlTiN/AlCrN coated tool outperformed all the other combinations: an improvement of ~19% in terms of tool life in reference to the base AlTiN coating when averaging across the three speeds; lowest surface roughness values: ~0.30, 0.33, and 0.64 µm; as well as the lowest chip back surface roughness values: ~0.80, 0.68, and 0.81 µm at 150, 175, and 200 m/min, respectively. These results indicate that the AlTiN/AlCrN coating is an excellent candidate for industrial applications involving high-speed machining of Ti-5553.

Comparative Analysis of Coatings Applied for Anti-Corrosion Protection of Public Transport Vehicles' Structural Parts.

The conducted research focused on anti-corrosion systems applied for the protection of structural parts used in public transport vehicles. Detailed tests were carried out on samples taken from the brackets supporting the doors of a public transport bus. This work includes the results of the chemical analysis of the composition of snow-mud samples taken from the selected bus route and the results of laboratory tests performed on samples with various anti-corrosion coatings. Four types of samples made of S235JR steel with a zinc coating deposited by thermo-diffusion, electroplating, hot-dip zinc galvanization, and the cataphoresis method were tested. Both non-destructive tests-NDTs (the measurement of coating thickness and roughness, microscopic observations)-and destructive tests-DTs (scratch tests, salt chamber tests)-were performed. The conducted tests proved that the most effective method is the use of anti-corrosive hot-dip zinc coating.

Incorporation of Nano-Zinc Oxide as a Strategy to Improve the Barrier Properties of Biopolymer-Suberinic Acid Residues Films: A Preliminary Study.

Finishing coatings in the wood-based composites industry not only influence the final appearance of the product but also serve to protect against fungi and molds and reduce the release of harmful substances, particularly formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Carbon-rich materials, such as those derived from birch bark extraction, specifically suberin acids, can fulfill this role. Previous research has demonstrated that adding suberin acid residues (SAR) at 20% and 50% by weight significantly enhances the gas barrier properties of surface-finishing materials based on poly(lactide) (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL), particularly in terms of total VOC (TVOC) and formaldehyde emissions. This study aims to explore whether these properties can be further improved through the incorporation of nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO). Previous research has shown that these nanoparticles possess strong resistance to biological factors and can positively affect the characteristics of nanofilms applied as surface protection. The study employed PLA and PCL finishing layers blended with SAR powder at 10% w/w and included 2% and 4% nano-zinc oxide nanoparticles. The resulting blends were milled to create a powder, which was subsequently pressed into 1 mm-thick films. These films were then applied to raw particleboard surfaces. TVOC and formaldehyde emission tests were conducted. Additionally, the fungal resistance of the coated surfaces was assessed. The results showed that PLA/SAR and PCL/SAR composites with the addition of nano-zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibited significantly improved barrier properties, offering a promising avenue for developing biodegradable, formaldehyde-free coatings with enhanced features in the furniture industry. Furthermore, by utilizing SAR as a post-extraction residue, this project aligns perfectly with the concept of upcycling.

The Influence of Zinc Oxide and Zinc Stearate on the Antimicrobial Activity of Coatings Containing Raspberry and Chokeberry Extracts.

The goal of this research was to analyse the synergistic effect between selected plant extracts with zinc oxide particles, and zinc stearate. The influence of ZnO on the antimicrobial effectiveness of the selected extracts was confirmed in previous research carried out by the authors. However, the impact of zinc stearate on extract activity has yet to be analysed. The aim was to cover PLA films with active coatings based on hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose (HPMC), or/and ethyl cellulose (EC) containing plant extracts and ZnO which has a synergistic effect. An additional aim was to use a CO2 extract of raspberry seed (RSE) with zinc stearate as active additives within the coatings. An examination of the antimicrobial properties (against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas syringae and Φ6 bacteriophage) of the covered films, as well as an investigation of layer presence with regards to PLA morphology (SEM, ATR-FTIR analysis) was carried out. The research work that was performed indicated that black chokeberry extract (ChE) and zinc oxide particles were effective against S. aureus, P. syringae and B. subtilis strains. In addition, the ChE with zinc stearate (ZnSt) was active against all analysed strains. The HPMC with ChE and ZnO as additives had antimicrobial properties against S. aureus, P. syringae and E. coli strains. The ChE was found to inhibit the growth of all of the analysed bacterial strains. When considering the coatings based on EC with the CO2 extract of raspberry seed (RSE) and ZnO, it was noted that they were only active against Gram-negative bacteria. The results of the experiments confirmed that AC1 (EC with RSE with ZnO) and AC2 (EC with RSE with ZnSt) coatings were not active against a phi6 bacteriophage. The HPMC coating containing the AC3 layer (ChE and ZnO) eliminated Φ6 particles, confirming its antiviral properties. In addition, the presence of the active (AC1, AC2 and AC3) coatings was confirmed by SEM and FTIR analysis.

Polymeric Protective Films as Anticorrosive Coatings-Environmental Evaluation.

The behavior of two polymeric protective paint coatings (epoxy and polyurethane) applied over an epoxy primer coating on steel plates was investigated in this study, focusing on their role in providing anticorrosive protection against various climatic stress factors. Among the numerous climatic factors that can affect the lifetime of anticorrosive coatings, the following were selected for this work: dry heat, UV radiation, humidity, and extreme conditions such as salt fog, marine atmosphere, and alpine atmosphere. The objective was to determine the remaining lifetime of these protective coatings before replacement is needed to prevent damage to the equipment they protect. The behavior of these polymeric materials under the mentioned factors was analyzed based on the variation in the tangent of the dielectric loss angle (tg δ) with frequency. From the interpretation of the experimental results, it was found that the polyurethane paint coating (P2) exhibits superior resistance to climatic degradation compared to the epoxy paint coating (P1). Furthermore, a comparison of tg δ values for the P1 and P2 coatings revealed that the initial (unaged) P2 coating performs better as an insulator (dielectric) than the P1 coating. Comprehensive information is provided to the users of polymeric anticorrosive protection materials, highlighting the extent to which climatic factors can affect the performance of the equipment they protect and determining the appropriate timing for replacing the coatings.

Machine learning of Raman spectra predicts drug release from polysaccharide coatings for targeted colonic delivery.

Colonic drug delivery offers numerous pharmaceutical opportunities, including direct access to local therapeutic targets and drug bioavailability benefits arising from the colonic epithelium's reduced abundance of cytochrome P450 enzymes and particular efflux transporters. Current workflows for developing colonic drug delivery systems involve time-consuming, low throughput in vitro and in vivo screening methods, which hinder the identification of suitable enabling materials. Polysaccharides are useful materials for colonic targeting, as they can be utilised as dosage form coatings that are selectively digested by the colonic microbiota. However, polysaccharides are a heterogeneous family of molecules with varying suitability for this purpose. To address the need for high-throughput material selection tools for colonic drug delivery, we leveraged machine learning (ML) and publicly accessible experimental data to predict the release of the drug 5-aminosalicylic acid from polysaccharide-based coatings in simulated human, rat, and dog colonic environments. For the first time, Raman spectra alone were used to characterise polysaccharides for input as ML features. Models were validated on 8 unseen drug release profiles from new polysaccharide coatings, demonstrating the generalisability and reliability of the method. Further, model analysis facilitated an understanding of the chemical features that influence a polysaccharide's suitability for colonic drug delivery. This work represents a major step in employing spectral data for forecasting drug release from pharmaceutical formulations and marks a significant advancement in the field of colonic drug delivery. It offers a powerful tool for the efficient, sustainable, and successful development and pre-ranking of colon-targeted formulation coatings, paving the way for future more effective and targeted drug delivery strategies.

Emerging Strategies to Prevent Bacterial Infections on Titanium-Based Implants.

Titanium and titanium alloys remain the gold standard for dental and orthopedic implants. These materials are heavily used because of their bioinert nature, robust mechanical properties, and seamless integration with bone. However, implant-associated infections (IAIs) remain one of the leading causes of implant failure. Eradicating an IAI can be difficult since bacteria can form biofilms on the medical implant, protecting the bacterial cells against systemic antibiotics and the host's immune system. If the infection is not treated promptly and aggressively, device failure is inevitable, leading to costly multi-step revision surgeries. To circumvent this dire situation, scientists and engineers continue to develop novel strategies to protect the surface of medical implants from bacteria. In this review, details on emerging strategies to prevent infection in titanium implants are reported. These strategies include anti-adhesion properties provided by polymers, superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic, and liquid-infused surface coatings, as well as strategies and coatings employed to lyse the bacteria. Additionally, commercially available technologies and those under preclinical trials are examined while discussing current and future trends.

Interface properties of nanostructured carbon-coated biological implants: an overview.

The interfaces between medical implants and living tissues are of great complexity because of the simultaneous occurrence of a wide variety of phenomena. The engineering of implant surfaces represents a crucial challenge in material science, but the further improvement of implant properties remains a critical task. It can be achieved through several processes. Among them, the production of specialized coatings based on carbon-based materials stands very promising. The use of carbon coatings allows one to simultaneously fine-tune tribological, mechanical, and chemical properties. Here, we review applications of nanostructured carbon coatings (nanodiamonds, carbon nanotubes, and graphene-related materials) for the improvement of the overall properties of medical implants. We are focusing on biological interactions, improved corrosion resistance, and overall mechanical properties, trying to provide a complete overview within the field.