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Advances in New Alloys, Polymers and Composites for Biomedical Applications

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 9539

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Prof. Dr. Javier Gil

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Bioinspired Oral Biomaterials and Interfaces (BOBI), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, UPC, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-Barcelona Tech, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: biomaterials; titanium and its alloys; shape memory alloys; dental materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Marta Pegueroles

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Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Barcelona East School of Engineering (EEBE), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), 08019 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: biodegradable metals; biodegradable polymers; 3D printing; surface modification

Prof. Dr. Andreu Puigdollers

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Bioengineering Institute of Technology, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, c/Josep Trueta s7N, Sant Cugat del Vallés, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: orthodontics; wires; brackets; aligners

Prof. Dr. Alberto Caprioglio

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Guest Editor

Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milano, Italy
Interests: early treatment; sleep disorders; biomecanics; aligners; citotoxicity in orthodontics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of new alloys, composite resins, bone materials, and metallic biomaterials are of the utmost relevance in medical and dental sciences, because they open up new clinical possibilities. However, in dentistry and medical sciences, the main concerns regarding these materials are the possible alteration of their mechanical behavior due to degradation, the improvement of their properties through applying coatings to their surfaces, and the influence of microbial contamination either in the oral environment or in the devices and materials used in medicine.

The main objective of this Special Issue is to delve deeper into the study of these new materials, the changes in their mechanical behavior, and the role of biofilms, so as to elucidate their application in the biomedical field.

The main topics which will be discussed in relation to this objective are as follows: the development of new materials to regenerate human tissues; the effects of new coatings for improving antimicrobial contamination and enhancing surface properties; the determination of the resilience of dental and medical materials after their use under masticatory loads; the determination of the biocompatibility of metallic and composite resins that are commonly used in medicine and dentistry; the search for materials for medical, dentistry, and orthodontics purposes which have an antimicrobial effect under contaminated environments; the determination of how oral and systemic biofilm contamination alters the mechanical properties of composite resins and metallic alloys; and the determination of the degree to which products are released following the wear of the metallic alloys and the degradation of the polyurethane of the composite aligners.

Prof. Dr. Javier Gil
Dr. Marta Pegueroles
Prof. Dr. Andreu Puigdollers
Prof. Dr. Alberto Caprioglio
Guest Editors

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Keywords

bone materials
metallic biomaterials
oral and systemic biofilms
antimicrobial effect
new alloys
new orthodontic polyurethanes
new composite resins
structural deterioration of alloys and composite resin materials

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surface Hardness of Polished Dental Zirconia: Influence of Polishing and Yttria Content on Morphology, Phase Composition, and Microhardness

by Andrea Labetić, Teodoro Klaser, Željko Skoko, Marko Jakovac and Mark Žic

Materials 2025, 18(14), 3380; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143380 - 18 Jul 2025

Viewed by 266

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between microhardness, morphology, and phase composition of dental yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP), which directly impact their long-term clinical performance and durability. The primary objective was to investigate the effects of yttria content and polishing on the surface properties and hardness of these materials. Samples from ZirCAD Prime, Cercon ht ML, ZIRCONIA YML, and ZirCAD LT were analyzed using Vickers hardness testing, Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). SEM analysis revealed a gradual increase in grain size and porosity with higher yttria content in unpolished samples. Polishing resulted in a relatively uniform surface morphology with observable striations across all samples, subsequently leading to similar Vickers hardness values for all polished samples. PXRD and SEM analyses identified that these similar hardness values were likely due to the predominant monoclinic phase on the surface, induced by polishing. These findings underscore the significant influence of yttria content and polishing on Y-TZP microstructure and surface hardness, highlighting their critical role in the long-term success and clinical applicability of dental restorations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in New Alloys, Polymers and Composites for Biomedical Applications)

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12 pages, 2989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Customizable Fracture Fixation Technique vs. Conventional Metal Locking Plate: An Exploratory Comparative Study of Fixation Stability in an Experimental In Vivo Ovine Bilateral Phalangeal Fracture Model

by Thomas Colding-Rasmussen, Nanett Kvist Nikolaisen, Peter Frederik Horstmann, Michael Mørk Petersen, Daniel John Hutchinson, Michael Malkoch, Stine Jacobsen and Christian Nai En Tierp-Wong

Materials 2025, 18(14), 3359; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143359 - 17 Jul 2025

Viewed by 255

Abstract

A novel composite patch osteosynthesis technique (CPT) has demonstrated promising ex vivo biomechanical performance in small tubular bones. To bridge the gap toward clinical evaluations, this study compared the stability of the CPT to a stainless-steel locking plate (LP) in an experimental in vivo ovine bilateral proximal phalanx fracture model. Eight sheep underwent a midline osteotomy with a 4.5 mm circular unicortical defect in the lateral proximal phalanx of both front limbs, treated with the CPT (n = 8) or the LP (n = 8). A half-limb walking cast, or a custom off-loading hoof shoe, was used for postoperative protection. Implant stability was assessed by post-surgery X-ray evaluations and post-euthanasia (16 weeks) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). At week one, all CPT implants demonstrated mechanical failure, while all LPs remained overall intact. Mean BMD was 0.45 g/cm² for CPT and 0.60 g/cm² for LP in the fracture area (p = 0.078), and 0.37 g/cm² vs. 0.41 g/cm² in the distal epiphysis (p = 0.016), respectively. In conclusion, the CPT demonstrated indications of inferior stability compared to the LP in this fracture model, which may limit its clinical applicability in weight-bearing or high-load scenarios and in non-compliant patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in New Alloys, Polymers and Composites for Biomedical Applications)

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16 pages, 3491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Poly(ε-Caprolactone)/Sodium Bicarbonate/β-Tricalcium Phosphate Composites: Surface Characterization and Early Biological Response

by Alessandro Mosca Balma, Riccardo Pedraza, Clarissa Orrico, Sara Meinardi, Tullio Genova, Giovanna Gautier di Confiengo, Maria Giulia Faga, Ilaria Roato and Federico Mussano

Materials 2025, 18(11), 2600; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112600 - 3 Jun 2025

Viewed by 522

Abstract

Bone graft substitutes combining the mechanical features of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and the bioactivity of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) have been widely reported in the literature. Surprisingly, however, very little is known about the incorporation of carbonate at a biomimicking level. The authors studied β-TCP/PCL composites at 20 wt.% and 40 wt.%, either enriched or not with sodium bicarbonate (at 2 wt.% and 4 wt.%), through SEM and EDX analyses; surface free energy estimation; pH measurement after 1, 2, and 3 days of incubation in cell media; nanoindentation; and a protein adsorption test with bovine serum albumin. The early biological response was assessed using adipose mesenchymal stem cells, as an established in vitro model, via cellular adhesion (20 min), spreading (24 h), and viability assays (1, 3, 7 days). By increasing the β-TCP content, the composites’ hardnesses and Young’s moduli (EiT) were improved, as well as their protein adsorption compared to neat PCL. Sodium bicarbonate increased the polar component of the surface energy, alkalinized the composite with a higher β-TCP content, and attenuated its early negative cell response. Further investigation is needed to deepen the knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning the mechanical features and long-term biological behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in New Alloys, Polymers and Composites for Biomedical Applications)

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16 pages, 19319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aging Effect on Push-Out Bond Strength of Six Resin Cements: An In Vitro Study

by Eugenia Baena, Nuria Escribano, Victoria Fuentes, Isabel Reche and Laura Ceballos

Materials 2025, 18(6), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18061371 - 20 Mar 2025

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Abstract

The number of resin cements marketed for fiber post cementation has increased significantly. This study compared the push-out bond strength (PBS) of self-adhesive and universal resin cements used to lute fiber posts at 24 h and after 6 months of aging in artificial saliva. Fiber posts were luted to eighty human roots endodontically treated with four self-adhesive/one-step resin cements, with one of them also used in combination with its appropriate tooth primer; one universal resin cement, applied as one-step or together with its corresponding universal adhesive (multi-step); and one adhesive/multi-step resin cement, as a control. After storage (24 h or 6 months), the interfaces were subjected to PBS tests and the data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey and Student’s t-tests (p < 0.05 defined as statistical significance). The results showed that Scotchbond Universal Plus + RelyX Universal attained statistically higher values at 24 h and 6 months. At 24 h, all resin cements yielded similar PBS to root dentin, while at 6 months, NormoCem obtained the lowest PBS. Storage for 6 months significantly decreased PBS for NormoCem and Multilink Automix. Root section did not influence PBS regardless of storage time. It was concluded that PBS is resin cement dependent. The universal resin cement, RelyX Universal, applied in combination with Scotchbond Universal Plus adhesive, obtained a higher and more stable PBS than the other resin cements tested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in New Alloys, Polymers and Composites for Biomedical Applications)

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25 pages, 26496 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Antibacterial Properties of PMMA/ZnO(NanoAg) Coatings for Dental Implant Abutments

by Ana Maria Gianina Rehner (Costache), Dana-Ionela Tudorache, Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă, Adrian Ionuț Nicoară, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Alina Maria Holban, Ariana Hudiță, Florentina Cornelia Bîclesanu, Paul Cătălin Balaure, Anna Maria Pangică, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu and George-Alexandru Croitoru

Materials 2025, 18(2), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020382 - 15 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1799

Abstract

Infections continue to pose significant challenges in dentistry, necessitating the development of innovative solutions that can effectively address these issues. This study focuses on creating coatings made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) enriched with zinc oxide–silver composite nanoparticles, layered to Ti6Al4V–titanium alloy substrates. The application of these materials aims to create a solution for the abutments utilized in complete dental implant systems, representing the area most susceptible to bacterial infections. The nanoparticles were synthesized using a hydrothermal method, optimized through specific temperature and pressure parameters to achieve effective morphologies and sizes that enhance antibacterial efficacy. The layers were applied to the titanium substrate using the spin coating technique, chosen for its advantages and compatibility with the materials involved. Comprehensive analyses were conducted on the antimicrobial powders, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, the PMMA-based coatings incorporating antimicrobial nanoparticles were evaluated to ensure uniformity and homogeneity across the titanium alloy surface by IR mapping and SBF immersion–SEM analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the samples was demonstrated with impressive results against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, as assessed through biofilm modulation studies. The biocompatibility of the samples was validated through in vitro cell-based assays, which demonstrated excellent compatibility between PMMA-based coatings and human preosteoblasts, confirming their potential suitability for future use in dental implants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in New Alloys, Polymers and Composites for Biomedical Applications)

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20 pages, 10103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Degradation Behavior of Coated Metallic Stents: Influence of In Vitro Fluid-Dynamic Biostability Testing Conditions

by Muhammad Saqib, Natalia Beshchasna, Gianaurelio Cuniberti and Joerg Opitz

Materials 2025, 18(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18010046 - 26 Dec 2024

Viewed by 955

Abstract

Coated metallic stents are the next generation of metallic stents with improved surface properties. To evaluate the degradation behavior of stents in vitro, different in vitro degradation models can be applied: (i) static immersion test: degradation under static fluid condition, (ii) fluid dynamic test: degradation under flowing fluid, and (iii) electrochemical corrosion test: degradation under the influence of electric potential. During these experimental procedures, stents interact with the simulated blood plasma, and degradation products are formed in the form of depositions on the stent surface, likewise in vivo experiments. These deposited crystals act as a hindrance to the application of important characterization techniques (e.g., mass loss measurement for the calculation of corrosion rate and examining the adhesion of the coating to metallic stents after fluid dynamic exposure). Therefore, to better characterize the coatings, the removal of these depositions is significant. In this work, we investigate the influence of in vitro test conditions in fluid dynamic biostability tests on the biostability of titanium oxynitride (TiO_XN_Y) coated stainless steel stents by adapting various fluid dynamic experimental parameters. The experimental conditions are based on modification in the components of fluid dynamic setup (e.g., tubings), simulated body fluid (SBF), with and without Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ ions, and the cleaning procedure (use of water, acetone, and isopropanol). Four different experiments were conducted under various experimental parameter sets. SEM and EDX measurements were used for the identification of degradation products after each experiment. This study highlights the importance of optimized experimental conditions showing negligible depositions when utilizing Puriflex tubing or a comparable artificial vessel, SBF devoid of Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ ions, and performing sample cleaning with distilled water in an ultrasonic bath. The presented conditions were optimized for titanium oxynitride coated samples. A similar approach could be applied to other samples with or without some small variation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in New Alloys, Polymers and Composites for Biomedical Applications)

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12 pages, 2749 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparison of Fracture Strength of Milled and 3D-Printed Crown Materials According to Occlusal Thickness

by Yeseul Park, Jimin Kim, You-Jung Kang, Eun-Young Shim and Jee-Hwan Kim

Materials 2024, 17(18), 4645; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17184645 - 22 Sep 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2613

Abstract

This study aimed to measure the fracture strengths and hardness of final restorative milled and 3D-printed materials and evaluate the appropriate crown thickness for their clinical use for permanent prosthesis. One type of milled material (group M) and two types of 3D-printed materials (groups P1 and P2) were used. Their crown thickness was set to 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm for each group, and the fracture strength was measured. Vickers hardness was measured and analyzed to confirm the hardness of each material. Scanning electron microscopy was taken to observe the surface changes of the 3D-printed materials under loads of 900 and 1500 N. With increased thickness, the fracture strength significantly increased for group M but significantly decreased for group P1. For group P2, the fracture strengths for the thicknesses of 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm significantly differed, but that for 1.0 mm did not differ from those for other thicknesses. The hardness of group M was significantly higher than that of groups P1 and P2. For all thicknesses, the fracture strength was higher than the average occlusal force for all materials; however, an appropriate crown thickness is required depending on the material and component. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in New Alloys, Polymers and Composites for Biomedical Applications)

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24 pages, 7555 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ti-Based Metallic Biomaterials for Antitumor Applications

by Xiang Yan, Hui Liu, Zhe Zhang, Xiang Deng, Manfeng Lin, Zongyuan Cai, Dongying Tang, Hang Wang, Wen Liu and Dapeng Zhao

Materials 2025, 18(10), 2262; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18102262 - 13 May 2025

Viewed by 388

Abstract

Titanium (Ti)-based metallic biomaterials (MBs) are traditionally employed as mechanical supports and constraints in clinical practice, owing to their superb comprehensive mechanical properties, great corrosion resistance, and good biocompatibility. Recently, Ti-based MBs have emerged as promising candidates for antitumor applications. These developments focus on the functionalization of Ti-based MBs to inhibit tumor propagation and recurrence. This work systematically examines the antitumor approaches of Ti-based MBs and categorizes them into physical and chemical approaches. Physical strategies, such as the photothermal and photocatalytic techniques, are usually related to material-specific properties. Chemical approaches often employ controlled local drug delivery (LDD) systems. Ti-based LDD systems enable the targeted release of chemotherapeutics, metal ions, or immunomodulatory agents at tumor sites. This review highlights the efficacy of these surface-functionalized Ti-based MBs against diverse tumors. Additionally, the challenges and prospects of antitumor Ti-based MBs are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in New Alloys, Polymers and Composites for Biomedical Applications)

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59 pages, 14760 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Recent Developments of Thermomechanical Processing for Biomedical Mg Alloys and Their Clinical Applications

by Hui Zhao, Jing Cheng, Chaochao Zhao, Min Wen, Rui Wang, Di Wu, Zhaoying Wu, Fang Yang and Liyuan Sheng

Materials 2025, 18(8), 1718; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18081718 - 9 Apr 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 648

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) alloys have gained much attention for biomedical applications, due to their attractive properties, such as high specific strength, low density, low elasticity modulus, high damping capacity, biodegradation, and relatively good cytocompatibility. However, the biomedical use of Mg alloys also faces several challenges, primarily due to their low corrosion resistance and insufficient strength. Therefore, improving the strength and corrosion resistance of biomedical Mg alloys has become a critical issue. This review briefly summarizes the selection of appropriate alloying elements for biomedical Mg alloys, which is the fundamental factor in determining their microstructure, cytocompatibility, mechanical properties, and corrosion performance. It also discusses typical thermomechanical processing methods, including hot extrusion, hot rolling and hot forging, and examines the influence of deformation mode on microstructure, mechanical properties, and degradation behavior. Specifically, combining different thermomechanical processing methods could be an optimal choice, as it leverages the high efficiency and effectiveness of each method. Finally, the clinical application of biomedical Mg alloys in various fields are summarized and discussed to highlight their potential prospect and corresponding challenges. This review aims to provide insights for the rationale design and development of high-performance biomedical Mg alloys for widespread clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in New Alloys, Polymers and Composites for Biomedical Applications)

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