Surface Engineering and Properties of Metallic Biomaterials

A special issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Metals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 2251

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Physics and Meteorology Department, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Sao Paulo CEP 01049-010, Brazil
Interests: biomaterial; Ti alloys; high-entropy alloys; surface modification
Division of Interdisciplinary Co-Creation (ICC-Division), Liaison Center for Innovative Dentistry, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
Interests: biocompatibility; titanium; antibacterial properties; corrosion

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Physics and Meteorology Department, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Sao Paulo CEP 01049-010, Brazil
Interests: biomaterial; Ti alloy; microstructure; mechanical properties
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The surface engineering of metallic biomaterials is driven by the need to enhance performance in long-term implantation in medical applications. Considering that the healthcare industry continues to grow, there is an ongoing demand for developing advanced materials that meet the specific requirements of biomedical implants and devices. One of the key points is devoted to improved corrosion, wear resistance, and mechanical properties, which are directly linked to the durability and reliability of metallic biomaterials. In this scenario, there are innovative tools to achieve these goals, employing surface modification and metallurgical processes. There is a special focus on guaranteeing the superior biocompatibility of metallic surfaces, with proper integration with biological tissues without risk of adverse reactions. Furthermore, novel multifunctional surfaces have demonstrated benefits in antimicrobial properties and drug delivery ability. Lastly, integrating advanced manufacturing techniques has allowed the customization and optimization of metallic biomaterials to attenuate the stress-shielding effect, provide proper biomechanical support, and enhance corrosion and wear resistance. Overall, the demands for the surface engineering and properties of metallic biomaterials are centered around creating innovative solutions that can improve patient outcomes and advance the field of biomedical engineering.

In this Special Issue, we welcome articles that focus on developing and characterizing novel metallic biomaterials with functionalized surfaces and coatings, and that exhibit enhanced mechanical, corrosion, and wear properties, biocompatibility, and bioactivity.

Dr. Diego Rafael Nespeque Correa
Dr. Peng Chen
Prof. Dr. Carlos Roberto Grandini
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • biomaterial
  • metals and alloys
  • surface modification
  • mechanical properties
  • corrosion and wear
  • biocompatibility

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 4989 KB  
Article
Hydrothermal Surface Treatment of Mg AZ31 SPF Alloy: Immune Cell Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Potential for Orthopaedic Applications
by Angela De Luca, Alessandro Presentato, Rosa Alduina, Lavinia Raimondi, Daniele Bellavia, Viviana Costa, Luca Cavazza, Aurora Cordaro, Lia Pulsatelli, Angela Cusanno, Gianfranco Palumbo, Matteo Pavarini, Roberto Chiesa and Gianluca Giavaresi
Metals 2025, 15(12), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15121328 - 2 Dec 2025
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Abstract
Biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys are promising materials for temporary orthopaedic implants, combining favourable mechanical properties and superplastic behaviour with in vivo resorption. This enables (i) prolonged implant duration, (ii) fabrication of complex-shaped prostheses via superplastic forming (SPF), (iii) elimination of removal surgery, and [...] Read more.
Biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys are promising materials for temporary orthopaedic implants, combining favourable mechanical properties and superplastic behaviour with in vivo resorption. This enables (i) prolonged implant duration, (ii) fabrication of complex-shaped prostheses via superplastic forming (SPF), (iii) elimination of removal surgery, and (iv) reduced risk of long-term complications. However, rapid corrosion under physiological conditions remains a major limitation, highlighting the need for surface treatments that slow degradation while preserving implant integrity. This study investigates the effects of hydrothermal surface treatment on MgAZ31-SPF alloys, focusing on immunomodulatory responses, antibacterial potential, and degradation behaviour. Hydrothermally treated MgAZ31-SPF (MgAZ31-SPF-HT) extracts released lower Mg2+ concentrations (29.2 mg/dL) compared to untreated MgAZ31-SPF (47.5 mg/dL) while maintaining slightly alkaline pH (7–8.7), indicating improved control of early degradation. In vitro assays with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) and normal human dermal cells (NHDCs) showed that MgAZ31-SPF-HT extracts maintained higher cell viability over 24–72 h. Gene expression analysis revealed significant downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers CTSE and TNF-α, while protein quantification via ELISA and BioPlex confirmed reduced secretion of TNF-α, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, IL-6, and IL-8, suggesting mitigation of early immune activation. Antibacterial assays demonstrated limited Staphylococcus aureus colonisation on both MgAZ31-SPF and MgAZ31-SPF-HT scaffolds, with CFU counts (~105–106) well below the threshold for mature biofilm formation (~108), and SEM analysis confirmed sparse bacterial distribution without dense EPS-rich layers. Overall, hydrothermal treatment improves Mg alloy biocompatibility by controlling Mg2+ release, modulating early immune responses, and limiting bacterial adhesion, highlighting its potential to enhance clinical performance of Mg-based implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Engineering and Properties of Metallic Biomaterials)
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20 pages, 12096 KB  
Article
Effect on the Electrochemical Properties of PEO Films Produced on Commercially Pure Titanium Using Multicomponent Oxide Coatings
by Lauri Ruberti, Heloisa Andréa Acciari, Diego Rafael Nespeque Correa, Yasmin Bastos Pissolitto, Elidiane Cipriano Rangel, Francisco Trivinho-Strixino and Nilson Cristino da Cruz
Metals 2025, 15(6), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15060658 - 13 Jun 2025
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Abstract
Titanium has specific uses due to its cost, which is counterbalanced by its extraordinary chemical and physical properties. Submarine hulls and nuclear power plant pipes have been made of titanium since the last century due to its high corrosion resistance, and the aircraft [...] Read more.
Titanium has specific uses due to its cost, which is counterbalanced by its extraordinary chemical and physical properties. Submarine hulls and nuclear power plant pipes have been made of titanium since the last century due to its high corrosion resistance, and the aircraft industry has also exploited its remarkable properties, such as lightness and high melting point. Surface modifications by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) may increase its corrosion resistance, roughness and wettability. Furthermore, greater corrosion resistance is a rather attractive property in nuclear power plant pipes, although the increased roughness and wettability are disadvantageous downsides as they favor the attachment of marine organisms. Nonetheless these new features are particularly interesting for biomedical applications. In this study, PEO films were produced on commercially pure titanium substrates using different electrolytes, one of which contains zirconium dioxide and the other consisting of tantalum pentoxide, in addition to a third one composed of a combination of the former two. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were performed in addition to contact angle and roughness measurements, and electrochemical tests were carried out to comparatively characterize the different film compositions. The results revealed that excellent corrosion resistance was achieved by mixing oxides in the electrolyte. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Engineering and Properties of Metallic Biomaterials)
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