Surface synthesization of magnesium alloys for improving corrosion resistance and implant applications

In the field of biodegradable material, a new research area has emerged for magnesium (Mg) and its alloys because of its high biocompatibility and biomechanical compatibility. This review summarizes many important types of research that have been done on degradable coatings on magnesium and its alloys for various implant applications. When magnesium alloys come into contact with other metals, they have a low open circuit potential and are consequently prone to galvanic corrosion. When exposed to air or a humid environment, magnesium may rapidly oxidize and generate a thin layer of loose MgO. Its applications were limited due to these drawbacks. Different types of corrosion have been studied in relation to magnesium and its alloys. Several coating methods are described, split into conversion and deposition coatings based on the individual processing procedures employed. This paper covers the most recent advancements in the development of biodegradable Mg alloy coatings over the last decade, revealing that the corrosion resistance of Mg and its alloys increases in most of circumstances due to coatings. Corrosion rate, coating morphology, adhesion, and surface chemistry were identified and explored as significant elements affecting coating performance. Calcium phosphate coatings made by deposition or conversion processes established for orthopedic purposes are the focus of many investigations according to a review of the literature. More research is needed on organic-based biodegradable coatings to improve corrosion resistance. Improved mechanical qualities are also crucial for coating materials. Developing adequate methodologies for studying the corrosion process in depth and over time is still a hot topic of research.     

In vitro corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility of minerals substituted apatite/biopolymers duplex coatings on anodized Ti for orthopedic implant applications

In this work, strategies for the formation of duplex coatings with enhanced bioactivity, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance have been focused. TiO₂ arrays were fabricated on Ti alloy were carried out in a single step using suitable electrolyte by anodization method. Here, we have synthesized a novel bioactive material, minerals incorporated Hydroxyapatite (La/Tb-HAP)-chitosan-casein duplex coatings on anodized Ti via electrodeposition method. The fabricated novel composite coatings were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, FESEM and EDAX analyses. Also, the mechanical properties of duplex coatings were scrutinized by Dermitron thickness and microhardness tester. The corrosion resistance of the as-developed duplex coatings was studied by electrochemical techniques using Ringers solution as the electrolyte. In addition, the antibacterial activity, cell viability, live and dead staining were executed to substantiate the biocompatibility of TNT/CS-CA@M-HAP duplex coatings. From the overall summary of this work, it is proved that the resultant CS-CA@M-HAP coatings on TNT exhibit excellent bioactivity and improved corrosion resistance over pure Ti and serve as a potential candidate for orthopedic applications.     

镁合金阳极氧化膜的结构、成分及其耐蚀性

采用电压-时间曲线、膜厚-时间曲线、X射线衍射法、扫描电镜、能量色散谱仪、X射线光电子能谱法、全浸腐蚀实验和极化曲线等方法分别研究了AZ91D铸镁合金阳极氧化成膜动力学过程、阳极氧化膜的表面形貌、结构、元素组成、元素价态以及相成分和膜层的耐蚀性.结果表明,在阳极氧化的4个阶段中,由于各个阶段所生成膜的厚度、结构和成分等均不同,因此膜的耐蚀性相差很大;镁合金阳极氧化时耐蚀性最好的膜层是在阳极氧化过程中的第阶段和第阶段的交界处所生成的膜层;镁合金阳极氧化膜中含有Mg,O,Si,B和少量的Al,Na元素,膜层主要由MgO,MgSiO₃和Mg3B2O6组成.     

Assessing the biocompatibility of NiTi shape memory alloys used for medical applications

The present paper reviews aspects related to the biocompatibility of NiTi shape memory alloys used for medical applications. These smart metallic materials, which are characterised by outstanding mechanical properties, have been gaining increasing importance over the last two decades in many minimal invasive surgery and diagnostic applications, as well as for other uses, such as in orthodontic appliances. Due to the presence of high amounts of Ni, the cytotoxicity of such alloys is under scrutiny. In this review paper we analyse work published on the biocompatibility of NiTi alloys, considering aspects related to: (1) corrosion properties and the different methods used to test them, as well as specimen surface states; (2) biocompatibility tests in vitro and in vivo; (3) the release of Ni ions. It is shown that NiTi shape memory alloys are generally characterised by good corrosion properties, in most cases superior to those of conventional stainless steel or Co–Cr–Mo-based biomedical materials. The majority of biocompatibility studies suggest that these alloys have low cytotoxicity (both in vitro and in vivo) as well as low genotoxicity. The release of Ni ions depends on the surface state and the surface chemistry. Smooth surfaces with well-controlled structures and chemistries of the outermost protective TiO₂ layer lead to negligible release of Ni ions, with concentrations below the normal human daily intake.     

Advances in nitric oxide-releasing hydrogels for biomedical applications

Hydrogels provide a plethora of advantages to biomedical treatments due to their highly hydrophilic nature and tissue-like mechanical properties. Additionally, the numerous and widespread endogenous roles of nitric oxide have led to an eruption in research developing biomimetic solutions to the many challenges the biomedical world faces. Though many design factors and fabrication details must be considered, utilizing hydrogels as nitric oxide delivery vehicles provides promising materials in several applications. Such applications include cardiovascular therapy, vasodilation and angiogenesis, antimicrobial treatments, wound dressings, and stem cell research. Herein, a recent update on the progress of NO-releasing hydrogels is presented in depth. In addition, considerations for the design and fabrication of hydrogels and specific biomedical applications of nitric oxide-releasing hydrogels are discussed.     

Fabrication and nanoindentation properties of TiN/NiTi thin films and their applications in electrochemical sensing

Nanocrystalline TiN/NiTi thin films have been grown on silicon substrate by dc magnetron sputtering to improve the corrosion and mechanical properties of NiTi based shape memory alloys without sacrificing the phase transformation effect. Interestingly, the preferential orientation of the TiN films was observed to change from (1 1 1) to (2 0 0) with change in nature of sputtering gas from 70% Ar + 30% N₂ to 100% N₂. In present study the influence of crystallographic orientation of TiN on mechanical and corrosion properties of TiN/NiTi thin films was investigated. TiN (2 0 0)/NiTi films were found to exhibit high hardness, high elastic modulus, and thereby better wear resistance as compared to pure NiTi and TiN (1 1 1)/NiTi films. Electrochemical test revealed that TiN coated NiTi film exhibits better corrosion resistance in 1 M NaCl solution as compared to uncoated NiTi film. The application of TiN/NiTi films in the electrochemical sensing of dopamine, which has a critical physiological importance in Parkinson's disease, has been demonstrated. A comparison of voltammetric response of dopamine at silicon based electrodes modified with different nanocrystalline coatings indicated that these films catalyze the oxidation of dopamine.     

Measurement uncertainty in testing for antimicrobial activity on textile materials

Measurement uncertainty is widely recognized among physicists and chemists, but is a relatively new concept to many microbiologists. Generally, available documents about measurement uncertainty in microbiological testing are applicable to food and water microbiology. Two quantitative methods for evaluation of antimicrobial activity of textile materials are used commonly in textile laboratories. Methodology and expression of results for the two methods are similar; thus, calculation and expression of measurement uncertainty for results obtained by these test methods are also similar. This contribution describes the way in which measurement uncetainty for these methods can be evaluated and reported.     

Rapid hemostasis and excellent antibacterial cerium-containing mesoporous bioactive glass/chitosan composite sponge for hemostatic material

Rapid and effective hemostasis is key to controlling bleeding and reducing mortality. Here, a composite hemostatic sponge (Ce-MBG/CHT) of cerium-containing mesoporous bioactive glass (Ce-MBG) and chitosan (CHT) was prepared by a freeze-drying technique and compared with the commercially available gelatin sponge (GS), to further evaluate the hemostatic performance of composite sponge materials. The results indicate that the pore structure, porosity, and water absorption of the sponge improved following the addition of Ce-MBG. Whole blood coagulation studies suggested that Ce-MBG/CHT has superior hemostatic properties to GS and validated in vitro thrombosis, platelet adhesion and blood compatibility. In vitro coagulation studies showed that factor XII was activated by the addition of Ce-MBG, inducing the intrinsic coagulation pathway. Furthermore, we evaluated the cytocompatibility of samples after contact with L929 cells for 24, 48, and 72 h via the cytotoxicity test. Compared with GS, 4Ce-MBG/CHT was more efficient against E. coli and S. aureus. All these results indicate that Ce-MBG/CHT sponges are likely useful for rapid hemostasis.     

Acid and scratch resistant coatings for melamine based OEM applications

Increasing the mar resistance of OEM clear coats has been one of the main R&D priorities of paint manufacturers over the last years. Reaching a good mar resistance level without compromising other coating properties such as acid resistance proves to be a major challenge. We investigated the use of branched glycidyl esters in melamine based OEM acrylic formulations. Our results show that systems based on this type of esters lead to good overall coating properties as well as a good balance between acid and scratch resistance.     

Multifunctional cold spray coatings for biological and biomedical applications: A review

A variety of coating techniques are available for medical devices to be tailored with surface properties aimed at optimizing their performance in biological environments. Cold spray, as a member of the thermal spray family, is now being exploited to efficiently deposit micro- to nanometer sized metallic or non-metallic particles on surgical implants, medical devices and surfaces in the healthcare environment to create functional coatings. Cold spray has attracted attention in the context of biomedical applications due to the fact that multiple materials can be combined easily at the surface of these devices, and that oxygen-sensitive and heat-sensitive organic molecules, including bioactive compounds, can be incorporated in these coatings due to the relatively low temperatures used in the process. The ability to maintain material and chemical properties and the ability to create functional coatings make the cold spray process particularly suitable for applications in the MedTech industry sector.This review explores the fabrication of cold spray coatings including the types of materials that have been used for biomedical purposes, provides a detailed analysis of the factors affecting cold spray coating performance, and gives an overview over the most recent developments related to the technology. Cold spray coatings that have been used until this point in time in biomedical applications can be broadly classified as biocompatible coatings, anti-infective coatings, anti-corrosive coatings, and wear-resistant coatings. In addition, this review discusses how these applications can be broadened, for example by providing antiviral effect against coronavirus (COVID-19). While we highlight examples for multifunctional cold spray coatings, we also explore the current challenges and opportunities for cold spray coatings in the biomedical field and predict likely future developments.     

外泌体分离技术及其临床应用研究进展

外泌体是细胞通过胞吐过程分泌的一类粒径为30~200 nm的囊泡，其组成包括脂质双分子层以及其内部包裹的细胞来源的蛋白质、核糖核苷酸（RNA）和脱氧核糖核苷酸（DNA）等生物分子。作为一种细胞间交流的重要方式，外泌体在一系列生理和病理过程中起着至关重要的作用。由于体液环境复杂，加之自身体积小、密度低，外泌体的富集与分离对于其后续分析和功能研究至关重要。该文介绍了外泌体的研究策略、表征手段及生物学功能和临床应用研究进展，特别对外泌体的提取方法进行了详细介绍，并加以系统评述。     

An efficient synthesis of 3′-quinolinyl substituted imidazole-5-one derivatives catalyzed by zeolite and their antimicrobial activity

A series of some new quinoline based imidazole-5-one derivatives have been synthesized by the fusion of oxazol-5-ones,various p-substituted anilines and zeolite in pyridine.All the derivatives were subjected to an in vitro antimicrobial screening against a representative panel of bacteria and fungi and results worth further investigations.     

Effect of Mg doping on morphology,photocatalytic activity and related biological properties of Zn1−xMgxO nanoparticles

The objective of this study is to synthesize ZnO and Mg doped ZnO (Zn_1−xMg_xO) nanoparticles via the sol-gel method, and characterize their structures and to investigate their biological properties such as antibacterial activity and hemolytic potential.Nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by the sol-gel method using zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn(CH₃COO)₂.2H₂O) and magnesium acetate tetrahydrate (Mg(CH₃COO)₂.4H₂O) as precursors. Methanol and monoethanolamine were used as solvent and sol stabilizer, respectively. Structural and morphological characterizations of Zn_1−xMg_xO nanoparticles were studied by using XRD and SEM-EDX, respectively. Photocatalytic activities of ZnO and selected Mg-doped ZnO (Zn_1−xMg_xO) nanoparticles were investigated by degradation of methylene blue (MeB). Results indicated that Mg doping (both 10% and 30%) to the ZnO nanoparticles enhanced the photocatalytic activity and a little amount of Zn0.90 Mg0.10 O photocatalyst (1.0 mg/mL) degraded MeB with 99% efficiency after 24 h of irradiation under ambient visible light. Antibacterial activity of nanoparticles versus Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) was determined by the standard plate count method. Hemolytic activities of the NPs were studied by hemolysis tests using human erythrocytes. XRD data proved that the average particle size of nanoparticles was around 30 nm. Moreover, the XRD results indicatedthat the patterns of Mg doped ZnO nanoparticles related to ZnO hexagonal wurtzite structure had no secondary phase for x ≤ 0.2 concentration. For 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.02, NPs showed a concentration dependent antibacterial activity against E. coli . While Zn_0.90Mg_0.10 O totally inhibited the growth of E. coli , upper and lower dopant concentrations did not show antibacterial activity.     

Mannose functionalized chitosan nanosystems for enhanced antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant pathogens

Escalating antimicrobial resistance is causing a major threat to the public health. Failure of traditional antibiotics urges the development of alternative therapeutics, which include biopolymeric nanosystems with intrinsic antimicrobial potential. In the present study, mannose functionalized chitosan nanosystems (M-CNS) were fabricated through reductive amination of chitosan with mannose and further its ionic gelation. Changes in zeta potential and characteristic peaks in FTIR spectra revealed surface functionalization of chitosan with mannose. Zeta-sizer studies disclosed relatively higher size (180 ± 5 nm) of mannosylated CNS as compared to CNS (162 ± 7 nm). Inversely, the zeta-potential was reduced from +32.2 mV to +25.4 mV for M-CNS. Scanning electron microscopy verified the slight increase in size for M-CNS. Antimicrobial evaluation of designed nanosystems as alternative antibacterial agent was assessed by time-kill, polystyrene adherence and antibiofilm assays against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Results indicated that mannose functionalized CNS inhibited the growth of resistant Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, while demonstrating anti-adherence and biofilm disruption activity. Furthermore, highly resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were also susceptible against M-CNS. This study unveiled the potential of M-CNS against pathogenic, multidrug resistant, biofilm forming bacteria; thus, making them an ideal candidate for developing alternative-medicines to cure the emerging resistant infections.     

Silica xerogel-hydrogen peroxide composites: their morphology, stability, and antimicrobial activity

Hydrogen peroxide was incorporated into silica xerogel matrix over the concentration range from 3.8 to 68.0 wt% via the sol–gel route. The obtained composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The release rates of H₂O₂ from the composites into the aqueous phase were examined. In most cases, a 90% release was attained after ca. 10 min, and it was only slightly dependent on H₂O₂ concentration and particle size. The antimicrobial activity of the composite containing 3.59% H₂O₂ was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Micrococcus luteus. A comparative assay was carried out for aqueous solution of H₂O₂ of the same concentration. The results demonstrated a potent microbicidal efficacy of the composite. Furthermore, diffusion range of the hydrogen peroxide from the solid composite into an agar medium matched that of the H₂O₂ in aqueous solution. The stability tests with the xerogels containing 3.8, 26.4, and 68.0% of H₂O₂ showed that after 63 days respective losses of the H₂O₂ at 3 °C were 8.8, 9.7, and 6.2%. Both the DSC results and the stability tests have shown that the molecular water present in the pores stabilizes the composite, probably through improving the binding of the H₂O₂ molecules onto the silica surface.     

Amino acids and their derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for metals and alloys

In the last two decades, research in the field of corrosion inhibitors had been directed toward the goal of using cheap effective molecules of low or non-negative environmental impact to replace the environmentally hazardous compounds. One of the encourager compounds which can be used as safe corrosion inhibitors are amino acids. They are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable and relatively cheap. On other hand, the development of computational modeling helps to understand the inhibition mechanism of those compounds and to develop the newly designed inhibitors. In this review, most of contribution made in literature on the use of amino acids and their derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for metallic alloys materials were presented and discussed.     

Polydentate Schiff-base ligands and their Cd(II) and Cu(II) metal complexes: synthesis,characterization, biological activity and electrochemical properties

Synthesis, characterization, microbiological activity and electrochemical properties of the Schiff-base ligands A¹–A⁵ and their Cd(II) and Cu(II) metal complexes are reported. The ligands and their complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT–IR, UV–Vis, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, mass spectra, magnetic susceptibility and conductance measurements. In the complexes, all the ligands are bidentate, the oxygen in the ortho position and azomethine nitrogen atoms of the ligands coordinate to the metal ions. The keto-enol tautomeric forms of the Schiff-base ligands A¹–A⁵ have been investigated in polar and non-polar organic solvents. Antimicrobial activity of the ligands and metal complexes were tested using the disc diffusion method and the chosen strains include Bacillus megaterium and Candida tropicalis. The electrochemical properties of the ligands A¹–A⁵ and their Cu(II) metal complexes have been investigated at different scan rates (100–500?mV?s^?1) in DMSO.     

Green synthesis of novel quinoline based imidazole derivatives and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity

We have described the conventional and microwave method for the synthesis of N-(4-((2-chloroquinolin-3-yl)methylene)-5-oxo-2-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)(aryl)amides 3a–l. It is observed that the solvent-free microwave thermolysis is a convenient, rapid, high-yielding, and environmental friendly protocol for the synthesis of quinoline based imidazole derivatives when compared with conventional reaction in a solution phase. Antimicrobial activity of the newly synthesized compounds is screened in vitro on the following microbial cultures: Escherichia coli (MTCC 443), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 1688), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96), Streptococcus pyogenes (MTCC 442), Candida albicans (MTCC 227), Aspergillus niger (MTCC 282), Aspergillus clavatus (MTCC 1323). All the synthesized bio-active molecules are tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activity by bioassay namely serial broth dilution. Among these compounds 3c, 3d, 3f, 3h and 3j show significant potency against different microbial strains. All the compounds have been characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectral data. On the basis of statistical analysis, it is observed that these compounds give significant co-relation.     

Synthesis of new piperazine derived Cu(II)/Zn(II) metal complexes, their DNA binding studies, electrochemistry and anti-microbial activity: Validation for specific recognition of Zn(II) complex to DNA helix by interaction with thymine base

New 3,4:9,10-dibenzo-2,11-dihydroxy-1,12-bispiperazine-5,8-dioxododecane complexes [C₂₄H₃₆N₄O₆Cu] (1), [C₂₄H₃₂N₄O₄Zn] (2) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR, Mass, EPR, UV–vis spectroscopy and molar conductance measurements. The complexes are non-ionic in nature and possess octahedral geometry around Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ central metal ions. The binding studies of 1 and 2 with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) were investigated by UV–vis, fluorescence, cyclic voltammetery and viscosity measurements. The calculated binding constant K_b for 1 and 2 obtained from UV–vis absorption studies was 7.6 × 10³ M⁻¹, 80.8 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, respectively. The intrinsic binding constants were also estimated to be 7.0 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ and 7.53 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ for 1 and 2, respectively by using emission titrations. These experimental results suggest that complexes are groove binders and interact to CT-DNA with different affinities. Both the complexes in presence and absence of CT-DNA show quasireversible wave corresponding to Cu^II/Cu^I and Zn^II/Zn^I redox couple. The changes in E_1/2, ΔE, I_pa/I_pc ascertain the interaction of 1 and 2 with CT-DNA. Further, decrease in viscosity of CT-DNA with increasing concentration of complexes was observed. In vitro, antimicrobial activity against fungi A. brassicicola, A. niger and bacteria E. coli, P. aeruginosa of complexes were carried out, which indicate that complex 2 is more active against both fungal and bacterial strains as shown by % inhibition data.     

Surface characteristics of high corrosion resistant Ni–Nb–Zr–Ti–Ta glassy alloys for nuclear fuel reprocessing applications

This work firstly discovered that the Ni₆₀Nb₁₅Zr₅Ti₁₅Ta₅ metallic glass exhibits high corrosion resistance in boiling 6 N HNO₃ solutions with and without Cr⁶⁺ ions, which may be of great potential for nuclear fuel reprocessing applications. The high corrosion resistance of the alloy is due to the formation of the passive film composed exclusively of Nb⁵⁺ and Ta⁵⁺ cations after immersion in the solution without Cr⁶⁺ ions, and Nb⁵⁺, Ta⁵⁺ and Cr³⁺ cations after immersion in the solution with Cr⁶⁺ ions.