Publications by authors named "Maria J Carmezim"

This study aimed to develop multifunctional nanoplatforms for both cancer imaging and therapy using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). Two distinct synthetic methods, reduction-precipitation (M) and co-precipitation at controlled pH (M), were explored, including the assessment of the coating's influence, namely dextran and gold, on their magnetic properties. These SPIONs were further functionalized with gadolinium to act as dual T1/T2 contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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Biodegradable magnesium (Mg)-based metal matrix composites are promising candidates for orthopaedic applications since magnesium is an abundant mineral in the human body. To improve the bioactivity and cytocompatibility of these Mg composites, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP) and fluorapatite (FA) microparticles synthesised by a citrate-derived hydrothermal method were introduced into a Mg matrix. These innovative Mg/HAP/FA composites were produced by multi-pass upward friction stir processing (UFSP).

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Polymeric platforms obtained by three-dimensional (3D) printing are becoming increasingly important as multifunctional therapeutic systems for bone treatment applications. In particularly, researchers aim to control bacterial biofilm on these 3D-platforms and enhance re-growing bone tissue, at the same time. This study aimed to fabricate a 3D-printed polylactic acid platform loaded with hydroxyapatite (HA), iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and an antibiotic (minocycline) with tuneable properties and multistimuli response.

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The development of biomaterials that mimicking the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles existent in the immature bone tissue is crucial, especially to accelerate the bone remodeling and regeneration. In this work, it was developed for the first time, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (NPs) incorporating citrate and zinc (cit-Zn-Hap) in their composition towards a one-step hydrothermal procedure. For comparison purposes, hydroxyapatite NPs incorporating only zinc (Zn-Hap) or citrate (cit-Hap), as well as hydroxyapatite without any of these elements (Hap) were synthesised.

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The presence of a biomimetic HAP coating on titanium surface, which reduces the structural stiffness, is essential to improve implants biocompatibility and osteointegration. In this study, new citrate-HAP (cHAP) coatings were produced by a simple hydrothermal method on pure titanium (Ti) surface, without requiring any additional pretreatment on this metal surface. The formed cHAP coatings consisting of nanorod-like hydroxyapatite particles, conferred nanoroughness and wettability able to endow improved biological responses.

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