Stochastic Electrochemical Measurement of a Biofouling Layer on Gold.

Adsorption of a biofouling layer on the surface of biosensors decreases the electrochemical activity and hence shortens the service life of biosensors, particularly implantable and wearable biosensors. Real-time quantification of the loss of activity is important for assessment of performance while presenting an opportunity to compensate for the loss of activity and recalibrate the sensor to extend the service life. Here, we introduce an electrochemical noise measurement technique as a tool for the quantification of the formation of a biofouling layer on the surface of gold.

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Due to their desirable elastic modulus and density that are similar to natural bone, non-toxic element containing magnesium alloys are regarded as promising bio-degradable materials. A biodegradable HA-particle-reinforced magnesium-matrix composite Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca-1HA (wt%) was fabricated for biomedical application by a combination of high shear solidification (HSS) and hot extrusion technology.

Cytocompatible tantalum films on Ti6Al4V substrate by filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition.

Tantalum films were deposited on negatively biased Ti6Al4V substrates using filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition to enhance the corrosion resistance of the Ti6Al4V alloy. The effect of substrate voltage bias on the microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties was examined and the cytocompatibility of the deposited films was verified with mammalian cell culturing. The Ta films deposited with substrate bias of -100V and -200V show a mixture of predominantly β phase and minority of α phase.

Atomically Thin Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanofilm for Cu Protection: The Importance of Film Perfection.

Outstanding protection of Cu by high-quality boron nitride nanofilm (BNNF) 1-2 atomic layers thick in salt water is observed, while defective BNNF accelerates the reaction of Cu toward water. The chemical stability, insulating nature, and impermeability of ions through the BN hexagons render BNNF a great choice for atomic-scale protection.