Silver Nanoparticles: Review of Antiviral Properties, Mechanism of Action and Applications.

New antiviral drugs and new preventive antiviral strategies are a target of intense scientific interest. Thanks to their peculiar properties, nanomaterials play an important role in this field, and, in particular, among metallic materials, silver nanoparticles were demonstrated to be effective against a wide range of viruses, in addition to having a strong antibacterial effect. Although the mechanism of antiviral action is not completely clarified, silver nanoparticles can directly act on viruses, and on their first steps of interaction with the host cell, depending on several factors, such as size, shape, functionalization and concentration.

Development of a Membrane Module Prototype for Oxygen Separation in Industrial Applications.

The integration of oxygen transport membranes in industrial processes can lead to energy and economic advantages, but proof of concept membrane modules are highly necessary to demonstrate the feasibility of this technology. In this work, we describe the development of a lab-scale module through a comprehensive study that takes into consideration all the relevant technological aspects to achieve a prototype ready to be operated in industrial environment. We employed scalable techniques to manufacture planar LaSrCoFeO membrane components suitable for the application in both 3- and 4-end mode, designed with a geometry that guarantees a failure probability under real operating conditions as low as 2.

Modelling, additive layer manufacturing and testing of interlocking structures for joined components.

In this study, authors explore the application of modelling and additive layer manufacturing (ALM) for creating and testing materials with interlocking structures aimed to reduce the stress concentration along the edges of a typical lap joint. The effectiveness of this approach is discussed by means of modelling and experimental validation of joints with interlocking structures obtained by ALM. Considering the achieved results, ALM of interlocking structures constitutes an interesting alternative or complement to traditional joining processes, as it may help to minimize stress mismatches in the joining region.

High-Performance SiC-Based Solar Receivers for CSP: Component Manufacturing and Joining.

Concentrated solar power (CSP) is an important option as a competitive, secure, and sustainable energy system. At the moment, cost-effective solutions are required for a wider-scale deployment of the CSP technology: in particular, the industrial exploitation of CSP has been so far hindered by limitations in the materials used for the central receiver-a key component in the system. In this context, the H2020 NEXTOWER project is focused on next-generation CSP technologies, particularly on advanced materials for high temperatures (e.

Brazing of Mo to Glidcop Dispersion Strengthened Copper for Accelerating Structures.

Alumina dispersion-strengthened copper, Glidcop, is used widely in high-heat-load ultra-high-vacuum components for synchrotron light sources (absorbers), accelerator components (beam intercepting devices), and in nuclear power plants. Glidcop has similar thermal and electrical properties to oxygen free electrical (OFE) copper, but has superior mechanical properties, thus making it a feasible structural material; its yield and ultimate tensile strength are equivalent to those of mild-carbon steel. The purpose of this work has been to develop a brazing technique to join Glidcop to Mo, using a commercial Cu-based alloy.

Antibacterial and Bioactive Coatings Based on Radio Frequency Co-Sputtering of Silver Nanocluster-Silica Coatings on PEEK/Bioactive Glass Layers Obtained by Electrophoretic Deposition.

Bioactive and antibacterial coatings on stainless steel substrates were developed and characterized in this study. Silver nanocluster-silica composite coatings of 60-150 nm thickness were deposited using radio frequency (RF) co-sputtering on PEEK/bioactive glass (BG) layers (of 80-90 μm thickness) which had been electrophoretically deposited onto stainless steel. Two sputtering conditions were used by varying the deposition time (15 and 40 min); the resulting microstructure, composition, adhesion strength, in vitro bioactivity, and antibacterial activity were investigated.

Salmonella serovar-specific interaction with jejunal epithelial cells.

Gut is often a receptacle for many different pathogens in feed and/or the environment, such as Salmonella spp. The current knowledge about pathogenicity of Salmonella is restricted to few serotypes, whereas other important ones like S. Coeln, S.

Biocompatibility versus peritoneal mesothelial cells of polypropylene prostheses for hernia repair, coated with a thin silica/silver layer.

Hernias are generally repaired using synthetic prostheses. Infection may already be present or develop during implantation. Based on the increasing resistance to antibiotics, and the well-known antimicrobial properties of silver (Ag), the possibility of coating hernia prostheses with a nanostructured layer containing Ag was explored.

Novel antibacterial ocular prostheses: Proof of concept and physico-chemical characterization.

Discouraging bacterial colonization of ocular biomaterials and implants is a significant challenge in ophthalmology as infections often lead to the need for secondary surgery, with associated risks and additional stress to patients. In this work we demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of an innovative antibacterial ocular prosthesis produced by depositing a silver nanocluster/silica composite layer on the poly(methyl methacrylate) implant surface via radio-frequency sputtering. Tape test performed according to relevant ASTM standard provided a preliminary evidence of the mechanical stability and good adhesion of the coating to the substrate (absence of macroscopic damage after tape removal).

Differential Biological Activities of Swine Interferon-α Subtypes.

Interferons (IFNs) play a crucial role in the host's immune response and other homeostatic control actions. Three IFN types and several IFN families within the types allow for a plethora of regulatory actions. The number of distinct IFN molecules is highest among type I IFNs and, in particular, within the IFN-α family.

Biomaterials for orbital implants and ocular prostheses: overview and future prospects.

The removal of an eye is one of the most difficult and dramatic decisions that a surgeon must consider in case of severe trauma or life-threatening diseases to the patient. The philosophy behind the design of orbital implants has evolved significantly over the last 60 years, and the use of ever more appropriate biomaterials has successfully reduced the complication rate and improved the patient's clinical outcomes and satisfaction. This review provides a comprehensive picture of the main advances that have been made in the development of innovative biomaterials for orbital implants and ocular prostheses.

Optimization of composition, structure and mechanical strength of bioactive 3-D glass-ceramic scaffolds for bone substitution.

Fabrication of 3-D highly porous, bioactive, and mechanically competent scaffolds represents a significant challenge of bone tissue engineering. In this work, Bioglass®-derived glass-ceramic scaffolds actually fulfilling this complex set of requirements were successfully produced through the sponge replication method. Scaffold processing parameters and sintering treatment were carefully designed in order to obtain final porous bodies with pore content (porosity above 70 %vol), trabecular architecture and mechanical properties (compressive strength up to 3 MPa) analogous to those of the cancellous bone.

Use of vitrified MSWI bottom ashes for concrete production.

Bottom ashes from a north Italian municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) were vitrified at 1450 degrees C without adding any vitrifying agent, then ground and sieved to different granulometry (ranging from 50 microm to 20mm), and used as filler, sand, or aggregate for concrete. Samples were characterized via slump tests (UNI 9418), alkali-silica reactivity (UNI 8520/22 and ASTM C 298), and compression strength tests (UNI 6132, 6132/72, 6686/72), and compared to reference samples obtained without vitrified bottom ashes (VBA). Our results show that vitrified bottom ashes are unsuitable as a sand substitute; however, concrete containing up to 20 wt.