Zn doped CaP coatings used for controlling the degradation rate of MgCa1 alloy: In vitro anticorrosive properties, sterilization and bacteria/cell-material interactions.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Zn doped CaP coatings prepared by micro-arc oxidation method, as a possible approach to control MgCa1 alloy degradation. All the prepared coatings comprised a calcium deficient CaP phase. The control in this evaluation was performed with undoped CaP coating in SBF solution at body temperature (37 ± 0.

Synthesis and Investigation of Antibacterial Activity of Thin Films Based on TiO-Ag and SiO-Ag with Potential Applications in Medical Environment.

Multiple antibiotic resistance has now become a major obstacle to the treatment of infectious diseases. In this context, the application of nanotechnology in medicine is a promising alternative for the prevention of infections with multidrug-resistant germs. The use of silver as a powerful antibacterial agent has attracted much interest.

Synthesis, Characterisation, Photocatalytic Activity, and Aquatic Toxicity Evaluation of TiO Nanoparticles.

Imidacloprid (IMD) is a toxic pesticide, and is one of the eight most widely used pesticides globally. Heterogeneous photocatalysis has often been investigated in recent years and can be successfully applied to remove imidacloprid from water. However, less investigated is the toxic effect of both the photocatalyst and the pesticide on aquatic life.

Effect of Deep Cryogenic Treatment on Corrosion Behavior of AISI H13 Die Steel.

AISI H13 die steel specimens were subjected to heating at 1020 °C followed by oil quenching and double tempering at 520 °C. Subsequently, these specimens were subjected to deep cryogenic treatment at -185 °C in liquid nitrogen environment for 16 h and then subjected to soft tempering at 100 °C once the specimens attained room temperature. Thereafter, the specimens were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis.

Implementation of paediatric vision screening in urban and rural areas in Cluj County, Romania.

Background: In 2018 and 2019, paediatric vision screening was implemented in Cluj County, Romania, where universal paediatric vision screening does not yet exist. We report on the preparation and the first year of implementation.

Methods: Objectives, target population and screening protocol were defined.

Anticorrosion Coated Stainless Steel as Durable Support for C-N-TiO Photo Catalyst Layer.

The development of durable photocatalytic supports resistant in harsh environment has become challenging in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) focusing on water and wastewater remediation. In this study, stainless steel (SS), SS/Ti (N,O) and SS/Cr-N/Cr (N,O) anticorrosion layers on SS meshes were dip-coated with sol gel synthesised C-N-TiO photo catalysts pyrolysed at 350 °C for 105 min, using a heating rate of 50 °C/min under N gas. The supported C-N-TiO films were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy.

Hydroxyapatite Surfaces Functionalized with a Self-Assembling Peptide: XPS, RAIRS and NEXAFS Study.

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings can improve the biocompatibility and bioactivity of titanium alloys, such as Ti6Al4V, commonly used as material for orthopedic prostheses. In this framework, we have studied the surface of HAP coatings enriched with Mg and either Si or Ti deposited by RF magnetron sputtering on Ti6Al4V. HAP coatings have been furtherly functionalized by adsorption of a self-assembling peptide (SAP) on the HAP surface, with the aim of increasing the material bioactivity.

A Strategy for Alleviating Micro Arcing during HiPIMS Deposition of DLC Coatings.

In this work, we investigate the use of high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) for the deposition of micrometer thick diamond like carbon (DLC) coatings on Si and steel substrates. The adhesion on both types of substrates is ensured with a simple Ti interlayer, while the energy of impinging ions is adjusted by using RF (Radio Frequency) biasing on the substrate at -100 V DC self-bias. Addition of acetylene to the working Ar+Ne atmosphere is investigated as an alternative to Ar sputtering, to improve process stability and coatings quality.

Characterization of electron beam deposited NbO coatings for biomedical applications.

Niobium oxide coatings deposited on TiAlV substrates by electron beam deposition and annealed in air at 600 °C and 800 °C were evaluated for their suitability towards dental, maxillofacial or orthopaedic implant applications. A detailed physico-chemical properties investigation was carried out in order to determine their elemental and phase composition, surface morphology and roughness, mechanical properties, wettability, and corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid solution (pH = 7.4) at room temperature.

The effect of hybrid coatings based on hydrogel, biopolymer and inorganic components on the corrosion behavior of titanium bone implants.

Modification of titanium (Ti) bone implant materials with hybrid organic-inorganic coatings is a novel promising approach to improve the osteoconductivity and osteointegration of implants and prevent their failure after implantation. However, in these coatings, which are mostly hydrophilic, chemically active moieties capable of releasing oxidizing ions can have a significant influence on the corrosion resistance of Ti, which is critical for the Ti implant osteointegration behavior. In this research, in order to study the dependence of the change of the corrosion behavior of Ti on the composition of the coating, Ti surfaces were modified with various coatings: organic (alginate hydrogel crosslinked with Ca ions (Alg), and dextran sulfate (DS)), inorganic (porous calcium carbonate CaCO), and composite organic-inorganic (Alg-CaCO, DS-CaCO).

Biocompatible Materials Based on Self-Assembling Peptides on Ti25Nb10Zr Alloy: Molecular Structure and Organization Investigated by Synchrotron Radiation Induced Techniques.

In this work, we applied advanced Synchrotron Radiation (SR) induced techniques to the study of the chemisorption of the Self Assembling Peptide EAbuK16, i.e., H-Abu-Glu-Abu-Glu-Abu-Lys-Abu-Lys-Abu-Glu-Abu-Glu-Abu-Lys-Abu-Lys-NH₂ that is able to spontaneously aggregate in anti-parallel β-sheet conformation, onto annealed Ti25Nb10Zr alloy surfaces.

Sputtered Si and Mg doped hydroxyapatite for biomedical applications.

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings are applied on metallic implant materials to combine mechanical properties of metallic material with bioactivity abilities of HAP ceramic. In this study, HAP coatings with additions of Si and Mg are proposed to be deposited on Ti6Al4V substrates by RF magnetron sputtering. Chemical bonding, morphology, topography and corrosion resistance in simulated body fluids (SBF) of the coatings were investigated.

Influence of the electrolyte's pH on the properties of electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite coating on additively manufactured Ti64 alloy.

Properties of the hydroxyapatite obtained by electrochemical assisted deposition (ED) are dependent on several factors including deposition temperature, electrolyte pH and concentrations, applied potential. All of these factors directly influence the morphology, stoichiometry, crystallinity, electrochemical behaviour, and particularly the coating thickness. Coating structure together with surface micro- and nano-scale topography significantly influence early stages of the implant bio-integration.

Mechanical, Corrosion and Biological Properties of Room-Temperature Sputtered Aluminum Nitride Films with Dissimilar Nanostructure.

Aluminum Nitride (AlN) has been long time being regarded as highly interesting material for developing sensing applications (including biosensors and implantable sensors). AlN, due to its appealing electronic properties, is envisaged lately to serve as a multi-functional biosensing platform. Although generally exploited for its intrinsic piezoelectricity, its surface morphology and mechanical performance (elastic modulus, hardness, wear, scratch and tensile resistance to delamination, adherence to the substrate), corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility are also essential features for high performance sustainable biosensor devices.

A biodegradable AZ91 magnesium alloy coated with a thin nanostructured hydroxyapatite for improving the corrosion resistance.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the properties of an AZ91 alloy coated with nanostructured hydroxyapatite (HA) prepared by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The bioactivity and biomineralization of the AZ91 magnesium alloy coated with HA were investigated in simulated body fluid (SBF) via an in vitro test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed.

In Vitro Biocompatibility of Si Alloyed Multi-Principal Element Carbide Coatings.

In the current study, we have examined the possibility to improve the biocompatibility of the (TiZrNbTaHf)C through replacement of either Ti or Ta by Si. The coatings were deposited on Si and 316L stainless steel substrates by magnetron sputtering in an Ar+CH4 mixed atmosphere and were examined for elemental composition, chemical bonds, surface topography, surface electrical charge and biocompatible characteristics. The net surface charge was evaluated at nano and macroscopic scale by measuring the electrical potential and work function, respectively.

Mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the sputtered Ti doped hydroxyapatite.

The hydroxyapatite enriched with Ti were prepared as possible candidates for biomedical applications especially for implantable devices that are in direct contact to the bone. The hydroxyapatites with different Ti content were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering on Ti-6Al-4V alloy using pure hydroxyapatite and TiO2 targets. The content of Ti was modified by changing the RF power fed on TiO2 target.

Evaluation of Ag containing hydroxyapatite coatings to the Candida albicans infection.

In this research work, the synthesis of Ag doped hydroxyapatite coatings for dental or orthopedic implants was performed. The main goal was to determine the influence of Ag content on the roughness and antimicrobial performance of the prepared thin films. The films were deposited on Ti6Al4V alloy by means of RF magnetron sputtering.

Effect of SiC interlayer between Ti6Al4V alloy and hydroxyapatite films.

Bioactive coatings are frequently used to improve the osseointegration of the metallic implants used in dentistry or orthopaedics. Among different types of bioactive coatings, hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) is one of the most extensively used due to its chemical similarities to the components of bones and teeth. In this article, production and characterization of hydroxyapatite films deposited on Ti6Al4V alloy prepared by magnetron sputtering were reported.

Enhancement of the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite by SiC addition.

Improvements of mechanical and anticorrosive properties, as well as superior osseointegration of the hydroxyapatite coated titanium alloy were reported in the last years by the addition of different elements (Si or Ti) into hydroxyapatite structure. The aim of this work was to prepare and to investigate the hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings enriched with SiC in order to enhance the mechanical properties of HAP films. The coatings were deposited on Ti6Al4V alloy substrates by co-sputtering of HAP and SiC targets, using a magnetron sputtering system.

Characterization of multi-principal-element (TiZrNbHfTa)N and (TiZrNbHfTa)C coatings for biomedical applications.

Multi-principal-element (TiZrNbHfTa)N and (TiZrNbHfTa)C coatings were deposited on Ti6Al4V alloy by co-sputtering of Ti, Zr, Nb, Hf and Ta metallic targets in reactive atmosphere. The coatings were analyzed for elemental and phase compositions, crystalline structure, morphology, residual stress, hardness, friction performance, wear-corrosion resistance and cell viability. For all the films, only simple fcc solid solutions with (111) preferred orientations were found, with crystallite sizes in the range 7.

Vacuum arc deposition of nanostructured multilayer coatings for biomedical applications.

In recent years, the smart materials have attracted much attention due to their unusual properties such as shape memory effect and pseudoelasticity, being widely used for biomedical implants. These materials contain certain amounts of nickel, titanium and others which are not adequate for surgical implants and prosthesis. In the work reported here, two types of nonostructured multilayer coatings (TiN/ZrN, ZrN/Zr) used to prevent the ions release from shape memory alloys were investigated.

Influence of bilayer period on the characteristics of nanometre-scale ZrN/TiAIN multilayers.

In the last decade, considerable research effort was directed to the deposition of multilayer films with layer thicknesses in the nanometer range (superlattice coatings), in order to increase the performance of various cutting tools and machine parts. The goal of the present work was to investigate the main microstructural, mechanical and wear resistance characteristics of a superlattice coating, consisting of alternate multilayer ZrN/TiAIN films, with various bilayer periods (5 / 20 nm). The coatings were deposited by the cathodic arc method on Si, plain carbon steel and high speed steel substrates to be used as wear resistance surfaces.

Mycotic vaginitis caused by slow growth fungi.

The bacteriological and mycological investigations performed in a female diabetic patient, aged 72, with genital secretion and local discomfort revealed slowly growing fungi, identified as Saccharamyces heterogenicus in the cervix uteri secretion. The cultures performed on Sabouraud medium were positive after 48 hrs incubation in liquid medium and after 4 days in solid medium. The strain was sensitive to: Clotrimazole, Diflucan, Nizoral, Nystatin.