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Search Results (2,043)

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Keywords = Fe60 coating

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18 pages, 2852 KiB  
Article
Fe3O4@β-cyclodextrin Nanosystem: A Promising Adjuvant Approach in Cancer Treatment
by Claudia Geanina Watz, Ciprian-Valentin Mihali, Camelia Oprean, Lavinia Krauss Maldea, Calin Adrian Tatu, Mirela Nicolov, Ioan-Ovidiu Sîrbu, Cristina A. Dehelean, Vlad Socoliuc and Elena-Alina Moacă
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(15), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15151192 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
The high incidence of melanoma leading to a poor prognosis rate endorses the development of alternative and innovative approaches in the treatment of melanoma. Therefore, the present study aims to develop and characterize, in terms of physicochemical features and biological impact, an aqueous [...] Read more.
The high incidence of melanoma leading to a poor prognosis rate endorses the development of alternative and innovative approaches in the treatment of melanoma. Therefore, the present study aims to develop and characterize, in terms of physicochemical features and biological impact, an aqueous suspension of magnetite (Fe3O4) coated with β-cyclodextrin (Fe3O4@β-CD) as a potential innovative alternative nanosystem for melanoma therapy. The nanosystem exhibited physicochemical characteristics suitable for biological applications, revealing a successful complexation of Fe3O4 NPs with β-CD and an average size of 18.1 ± 2.1 nm. In addition, the in vitro evaluations revealed that the newly developed nanosystem presented high biocompatibility on a human keratinocyte (HaCaT) monolayer and selective antiproliferative activity on amelanotic human melanoma (A375) cells, inducing early apoptosis features when concentrations of 10, 15, and 20 μg/mL were employed for 48 h and 72 h. Collectively, the Fe3O4@β-CD nanosystem reveals promising features for an adjuvant approach in melanoma treatment, mainly due to its β-cyclodextrin coating, thus endorsing a potential co-loading of therapeutic drugs. Furthermore, the intrinsic magnetic core of Fe3O4 NPs supports the magnetically based cancer treatment strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis of Functional Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications)
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25 pages, 15569 KiB  
Article
Studies on the Chemical Etching and Corrosion Resistance of Ultrathin Laminated Alumina/Titania Coatings
by Ivan Netšipailo, Lauri Aarik, Jekaterina Kozlova, Aivar Tarre, Maido Merisalu, Kaisa Aab, Hugo Mändar, Peeter Ritslaid and Väino Sammelselg
Corros. Mater. Degrad. 2025, 6(3), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/cmd6030036 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 226
Abstract
We investigated the protective properties of ultrathin laminated coatings, comprising three pairs of Al2O3 and TiO2 sublayers with coating thicknesses < 150 nm, deposited on AISI 310 stainless steel (SS) and Si (100) substrates at 80–500 °C by atomic [...] Read more.
We investigated the protective properties of ultrathin laminated coatings, comprising three pairs of Al2O3 and TiO2 sublayers with coating thicknesses < 150 nm, deposited on AISI 310 stainless steel (SS) and Si (100) substrates at 80–500 °C by atomic layer deposition. The coatings were chemically etched and subjected to corrosion, ultrasound, and thermal shock tests. The coating etching resistance efficiency (Re) was determined by measuring via XRF the change in the coating sublayer mass thickness after etching in hot 80% H2SO4. The maximum Re values of ≥98% for both alumina and titania sublayers were obtained for the laminates deposited at 250–400 °C on both substrates. In these coatings, the titania sublayers were crystalline. The lowest Re values of 15% and 50% for the alumina and titania sublayers, respectively, were measured for laminate grown at 80 °C on silicon. The coatings deposited at 160–200 °C demonstrated a delay in the increase of Re values, attributed to the changes in the titania sublayers before full crystallization. Coatings grown at higher temperatures were also more resistant to ultrasound and liquid nitrogen treatments. In contrast, coatings deposited at 125 °C on SS had better corrosion protection, as demonstrated via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and a standard immersion test in FeCl3 solution. Full article
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29 pages, 5040 KiB  
Article
The Investigation of a Biocide-Free Antifouling Coating on Naval Steels Under Both Simulated and Actual Seawater Conditions
by Polyxeni Vourna, Pinelopi P. Falara and Nikolaos D. Papadopoulos
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2448; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082448 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 350
Abstract
This study developed a water-soluble antifouling coating to protect ship hulls against corrosion and fouling without the usage of a primer. The coating retains its adhesion to the steel substrate and reduces corrosion rates compared to those for uncoated specimens. The coating’s protective [...] Read more.
This study developed a water-soluble antifouling coating to protect ship hulls against corrosion and fouling without the usage of a primer. The coating retains its adhesion to the steel substrate and reduces corrosion rates compared to those for uncoated specimens. The coating’s protective properties rely on the interaction of conductive polyaniline (PAni) nanorods, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, and graphene oxide (GO) sheets modified with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. The PAni/Fe3O4 nanocomposite improves the antifouling layer’s out-of-plane conductivity, whereas GO increases its in-plane conductivity. The anisotropy in the conductivity distribution reduces the electrostatic attraction and limits primary bacterial and pathogen adsorption. TiO2 augments the conductivity of the PAni nanorods, enabling visible light to generate H2O2. The latter decomposes into H2O and O2, rendering the coating environmentally benign. The coating acts as an effective barrier with limited permeability to the steel surface, demonstrating outstanding durability for naval steel over extended periods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Material, Coating and Electrochemistry Technology)
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21 pages, 12700 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Developed TiO2 NWs-Fe2O3 Modified PES Membranes for Efficient NBB Dye Removal
by Mouna Mansor Hussein, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Mohamed Gar Alalm and M. M. El-Halwany
ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040082 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 180
Abstract
Current work investigates the fabrication and performance of nanocomposite membranes, modified with varying concentrations of hybrid nanostructures comprising titanium nanowires coated with iron nanoparticles (TiO2 NWs-Fe2O3), for the removal of Naphthol Blue Black (NBB) dye from industrial wastewater. [...] Read more.
Current work investigates the fabrication and performance of nanocomposite membranes, modified with varying concentrations of hybrid nanostructures comprising titanium nanowires coated with iron nanoparticles (TiO2 NWs-Fe2O3), for the removal of Naphthol Blue Black (NBB) dye from industrial wastewater. A series of analytical tools were employed to confirm the successful modification including scanning electron microscopy and EDX analysis, porosity and hydrophilicity measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction. The incorporation of TiO2 NWs-Fe2O3 has enhanced membrane performance significantly by increasing the PWF and improving dye retention rates of nanocomposite membranes. At 0.7 g of nanostructure content, the modified membrane (M8) achieved a PWF of 93 L/m2·h and NBB dye rejection of over 98%. The flux recovery ratio (FRR) analysis disclosed improved antifouling properties, with the M8 membrane demonstrating a 73.4% FRR. This study confirms the potential of TiO2 NWs-Fe2O3-modified membranes in enhancing water treatment processes, offering a promising solution for industrial wastewater treatment. These outstanding results highlight the potential of the novel PES-TiO2 NWs-Fe2O3 membranes for dye removal and present adequate guidance for the modification of membrane physical properties in the field of wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Chemical Engineering)
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23 pages, 3795 KiB  
Article
Structural Analysis of the Newly Prepared Ti55Al27Mo13 Alloy by Aluminothermic Reaction
by Štefan Michna, Jaroslava Svobodová, Anna Knaislová, Jan Novotný and Lenka Michnová
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3583; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153583 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 169
Abstract
This study presents the structural and compositional characterisation of a newly developed Ti55Al27Mo13 alloy synthesised via aluminothermic reaction. The alloy was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional processing routes for high–melting–point elements such as Ti and Mo, enabling the formation of a [...] Read more.
This study presents the structural and compositional characterisation of a newly developed Ti55Al27Mo13 alloy synthesised via aluminothermic reaction. The alloy was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional processing routes for high–melting–point elements such as Ti and Mo, enabling the formation of a complex, multi–phase microstructure in a single high–temperature step. The aim was to develop and characterise a material with microstructural features expected to enhance wear resistance, oxidation behaviour, and thermal stability in future applications. The alloy is intended as a precursor for composite nanopowders and surface coatings applied to aluminium–, magnesium–, and iron–based substrates subjected to mechanical and thermal loading. Elemental analysis (XRF, EDS) confirmed the presence of Ti, Al, Mo, and minor elements such as Si, Fe, and C. Microstructural investigations using laser confocal and scanning electron microscopy revealed a heterogeneous structure comprising solid solutions, eutectic regions, and dispersed oxide and carbide phases. Notably, the alloy exhibits high hardness values, reaching >2400 HV in Al2O3 regions and ~1300 HV in Mo– and Si–enriched solid solutions. These results suggest the material’s substantial potential for protective surface engineering. Further tribological, thermal, and corrosion testing, conducted with meticulous attention to detail, will follow to validate its functional performance in target applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)
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14 pages, 3346 KiB  
Article
DES-Mediated Mild Synthesis of Synergistically Engineered 3D FeOOH-Co2(OH)3Cl/NF for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction
by Bingxian Zhu, Yachao Liu, Yue Yan, Hui Wang, Yu Zhang, Ying Xin, Weijuan Xu and Qingshan Zhao
Catalysts 2025, 15(8), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15080725 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 207
Abstract
Hydrogen energy is a pivotal carrier for achieving carbon neutrality, requiring green and efficient production via water electrolysis. However, the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) involves a sluggish four-electron transfer process, resulting in high overpotentials, while the prohibitive cost and complex preparation of [...] Read more.
Hydrogen energy is a pivotal carrier for achieving carbon neutrality, requiring green and efficient production via water electrolysis. However, the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) involves a sluggish four-electron transfer process, resulting in high overpotentials, while the prohibitive cost and complex preparation of precious metal catalysts impede large-scale commercialization. In this study, we develop a FeCo-based bimetallic deep eutectic solvent (FeCo-DES) as a multifunctional reaction medium for engineering a three-dimensional (3D) coral-like FeOOH-Co2(OH)3Cl/NF composite via a mild one-step impregnation approach (70 °C, ambient pressure). The FeCo-DES simultaneously serves as the solvent, metal source, and redox agent, driving the controlled in situ assembly of FeOOH-Co2(OH)3Cl hybrids on Ni(OH)2/NiOOH-coated nickel foam (NF). This hierarchical architecture induces synergistic enhancement through geometric structural effects combined with multi-component electronic interactions. Consequently, the FeOOH-Co2(OH)3Cl/NF catalyst achieves a remarkably low overpotential of 197 mV at 100 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 65.9 mV dec−1, along with 98% current retention over 24 h chronopotentiometry. This study pioneers a DES-mediated strategy for designing robust composite catalysts, establishing a scalable blueprint for high-performance and low-cost OER systems. Full article
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19 pages, 4569 KiB  
Article
Tailored Magnetic Fe3O4-Based Core–Shell Nanoparticles Coated with TiO2 and SiO2 via Co-Precipitation: Structure–Property Correlation for Medical Imaging Applications
by Elena Emanuela Herbei, Daniela Laura Buruiana, Alina Crina Muresan, Viorica Ghisman, Nicoleta Lucica Bogatu, Vasile Basliu, Claudiu-Ionut Vasile and Lucian Barbu-Tudoran
Diagnostics 2025, 15(15), 1912; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15151912 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 167
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Magnetic nanoparticles, particularly iron oxide-based materials, such as magnetite (Fe3O4), have gained significant attention as contrast agents in medical imaging This study aimsto syntheze and characterize Fe3O4-based core–shell nanostructures, including Fe3O4 [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Magnetic nanoparticles, particularly iron oxide-based materials, such as magnetite (Fe3O4), have gained significant attention as contrast agents in medical imaging This study aimsto syntheze and characterize Fe3O4-based core–shell nanostructures, including Fe3O4@TiO2 and Fe3O4@SiO2, and to evaluate their potential as tunable contrast agents for diagnostic imaging. Methods: Fe3O4, Fe3O4@TiO2, and Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via co-precipitation at varying temperatures from iron salt precursors. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to confirm the presence of Fe–O bonds, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to determine the crystalline phases and estimate average crystallite sizes. Morphological analysis and particle size distribution were assessed by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Magnetic properties were investigated using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Results: FTIR spectra exhibited characteristic Fe–O vibrations at 543 cm−1 and 555 cm−1, indicating the formation of magnetite. XRD patterns confirmed a dominant cubic magnetite phase, with the presence of rutile TiO2 and stishovite SiO2 in the coated samples. The average crystallite sizes ranged from 24 to 95 nm. SEM and TEM analyses revealed particle sizes between 5 and 150 nm with well-defined core–shell morphologies. VSM measurements showed saturation magnetization (Ms) values ranging from 40 to 70 emu/g, depending on the synthesis temperature and shell composition. The highest Ms value was obtained for uncoated Fe3O4 synthesized at 94 °C. Conclusions: The synthesized Fe3O4-based core–shell nanomaterials exhibit desirable structural, morphological, and magnetic properties for use as contrast agents. Their tunable magnetic response and nanoscale dimensions make them promising candidates for advanced diagnostic imaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)
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14 pages, 2733 KiB  
Article
Study on Microstructure and Wear Resistance of Multi-Layer Laser Cladding Fe901 Coating on 65 Mn Steel
by Yuzhen Yu, Weikang Ding, Xi Wang, Donglu Mo and Fan Chen
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3505; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153505 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
65 Mn is a high-quality carbon structural steel that exhibits excellent mechanical properties and machinability. It finds broad applications in machinery manufacturing, agricultural tools, and mining equipment, and is commonly used for producing mechanical parts, springs, and cutting tools. Fe901 is an iron-based [...] Read more.
65 Mn is a high-quality carbon structural steel that exhibits excellent mechanical properties and machinability. It finds broad applications in machinery manufacturing, agricultural tools, and mining equipment, and is commonly used for producing mechanical parts, springs, and cutting tools. Fe901 is an iron-based alloy that exhibits excellent hardness, structural stability, and wear resistance. It is widely used in surface engineering applications, especially laser cladding, due to its ability to form dense and crack-free metallurgical coatings. To enhance the surface hardness and wear resistance of 65 Mn steel, this study employs a laser melting process to deposit a multi-layer Fe901 alloy coating. The phase composition, microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of the coatings are investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Vickers hardness testing, and friction-wear testing. The results show that the coatings are dense and uniform, without visible defects. The main phases in the coating include solid solution, carbides, and α-phase. The microstructure comprises dendritic, columnar, and equiaxed crystals. The microhardness of the cladding layer increases significantly, with the multilayer coating reaching 3.59 times the hardness of the 65 Mn substrate. The coatings exhibit stable and relatively low friction coefficients ranging from 0.38 to 0.58. Under identical testing conditions, the wear resistance of the coating surpasses that of the substrate, and the multilayer coating shows better wear performance than the single-layer one. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Composites)
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22 pages, 7139 KiB  
Article
Influence of Fe Ions on the Surface, Microstructural and Optical Properties of Solution Precursor Plasma-Sprayed TiO2 Coatings
by Key Simfroso, Romnick Unabia, Anna Gibas, Michał Mazur, Paweł Sokołowski and Rolando Candidato
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080870 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 890
Abstract
This work investigates on how Fe incorporation influences the surface, microstructural, and optical properties of solution precursor plasma-sprayed TiO2 coatings. The Fe-TiO2 coatings were prepared using titanium isopropoxide and iron acetylacetonate as precursors, with ethanol as the solvent. X-ray diffraction analysis [...] Read more.
This work investigates on how Fe incorporation influences the surface, microstructural, and optical properties of solution precursor plasma-sprayed TiO2 coatings. The Fe-TiO2 coatings were prepared using titanium isopropoxide and iron acetylacetonate as precursors, with ethanol as the solvent. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the existence of both anatase and rutile TiO2 phases, with a predominant rutile phase, also confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. There was an increase in the anatase crystals upon the addition of Fe ions. A longer spray distance further enhanced the anatase content and reduced the average TiO2 crystallite sizes present in the Fe-added coatings. SEM cross-sectional images displayed finely grained, densely packed deposits in the Fe-added coatings. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed visible-light absorption by the Fe-TiO2 coatings, with reduced band gap energies ranging from 2.846 ± 0.002 eV to 2.936 ± 0.003 eV. Photoluminescence analysis showed reduced emission intensity at 356 nm (3.48 eV) for the Fe-TiO2 coatings. These findings confirm solution precursor plasma spray to be an effective method for developing Fe-TiO2 coatings with potential application as visible-light-active photocatalysts. Full article
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19 pages, 4000 KiB  
Article
Insights of a Novel HEA Database Created from a Materials Perspective, Focusing on Wear and Corrosion Applications
by Lorena Betancor-Cazorla, Genís Clavé, Camila Barreneche and Sergi Dosta
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080865 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 319
Abstract
In recent years, interest in HEAs has increased exponentially due to their extraordinary properties, especially for wear- and corrosion-resistant applications. However, the main problem involves correctly selecting the HEA composition required for a specific application, as most of the data are scattered throughout [...] Read more.
In recent years, interest in HEAs has increased exponentially due to their extraordinary properties, especially for wear- and corrosion-resistant applications. However, the main problem involves correctly selecting the HEA composition required for a specific application, as most of the data are scattered throughout the literature, and only a limited number of models accurately predict the properties. Therefore, a database of 415 HEA alloys (bulk) and coatings obtained using thermal spray (TS) techniques has been created, compiled from scientific studies over the past 20 years. This tool collects information on physical, mechanical, and chemical properties, with a particular emphasis on corrosion and wear resistance. This facilitates material comparison and selection according to the needs of a specific application. In particular, the database highlights how composition and deposition technique also affect performance, identifying CoCrFeNi (CGS and in bulk) as a promising candidate for simultaneous wear and corrosion resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Thermal Spray Coatings: Technologies and Applications)
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14 pages, 7306 KiB  
Article
Influence of Gear Set Loading on Surface Damage Forms for Gear Teeth with DLC Coating
by Edyta Osuch-Słomka, Remigiusz Michalczewski, Anita Mańkowska-Snopczyńska, Michał Gibała, Andrzej N. Wieczorek and Emilia Skołek
Coatings 2025, 15(7), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070857 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
An analysis of the working surfaces of cylindrical gears after scuffing shock tests allowed for the assessment of the effect of loading conditions on the form of damage to the tooth surfaces. Unlike the method of scuffing under severe conditions, where loading is [...] Read more.
An analysis of the working surfaces of cylindrical gears after scuffing shock tests allowed for the assessment of the effect of loading conditions on the form of damage to the tooth surfaces. Unlike the method of scuffing under severe conditions, where loading is applied gradually, the presented tests employed direct maximum loading—shock loading—without prior lapping of the gears under lower loads. This loading method significantly increases the vulnerability of the analyzed components to scuffing, enabling an evaluation of their limit in terms of operational properties. To identify the changes and the types of the teeth’s working surface damage, the following microscopy techniques were applied: scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with EDS microanalyzer, optical interferential profilometry (WLI), atomic force microscope (AFM), and optical microscopy. The results allowed us to define the characteristic damage mechanisms and assess the efficiency of the applied DLC coatings when it comes to resistance to scuffing in shock scuffing conditions. Tribological tests were performed by means of an FZG T-12U gear test rig in a power circulating system to test cylindrical gear scuffing. The gears were made from 18CrNiMo7-6 steel and 35CrMnSiA nano-bainitic steel and coated with W-DLC/CrN. Full article
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19 pages, 4325 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Nanoparticle Coatings on the Color of Teeth Restored Using Dental Adhesives Augmented with Magnetic Nanoparticles
by Carina Sonia Neagu, Andreea Codruta Novac, Cristian Zaharia, Meda-Lavinia Negrutiu, Izabell Craciunescu, Vlad Mircea Socoliuc, Catalin Nicolae Marin, Ionela-Amalia Bradu, Luminita Maria Nica, Marius Stef, Virgil-Florin Duma, Mihai Romînu and Cosmin Sinescu
Medicina 2025, 61(7), 1289; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61071289 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 363
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Dental adhesives augmented with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been proposed to prevent microleakages. MNPs dispersed in a dental adhesive reduce the thickness of the adhesive layer applied in a magnetic field and enhance the bond strength by favoring the [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Dental adhesives augmented with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been proposed to prevent microleakages. MNPs dispersed in a dental adhesive reduce the thickness of the adhesive layer applied in a magnetic field and enhance the bond strength by favoring the penetration of the adhesive into dentinal tubules. However, the restoration’s color has been found to be affected by the MNPs. This study tests the hypothesis that MNP coating can alleviate the esthetic impact of magnetic dental adhesives. Materials and Methods: We synthesized Fe3O4 MNPs with silica coating (MNPs-SiO2), calcium-based coating (MNPs-Ca), and no coating. Their morphology was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their chemical composition was assessed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and magnetic properties were measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer. FTIR spectroscopy was used to evaluate the polymerization of the MNP-laden adhesive. We prepared cavities in molar phantoms divided in four groups (n = 15 each) restored using the same adhesive with different MNP contents: Group 0 (G0)—no MNPs, G1—MNPs-SiO2, G2—MNPs-Ca, and G3—uncoated MNPs. The restoration’s color was quantified in the CIELAB color space using a dental spectrophotometer. Results: MNPs-SiO2 were globular, whereas MNPs-Ca had a cubic morphology. The SiO2 layer was 73.1 nm ± 9.9 nm thick; the Ca(OH)2 layer was 19.97 nm ± 2.27 nm thick. The saturation magnetization was 18.6 emu/g for MNPs-SiO2, 1.0 emu/g for MNPs-Ca, and 65.7 emu/g for uncoated MNPs. MNPs had a marginal effect on the adhesive’s photopolymerization. The mean color difference between G0 and G2 was close to the 50:50% acceptability threshold, whereas the other groups were far apart from G0. The mean whiteness index of G2 did not differ significantly from that of G0; G1 deviated marginally from G0, whereas G3 differed significantly from G0. Conclusions: These results suggest that MNP coating can mitigate the influence of MNP-laden dental adhesives on the color of restorations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection New Concepts for Dental Treatments and Evaluations)
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32 pages, 2479 KiB  
Review
Fungal Biofilm: An Overview of the Latest Nano-Strategies
by Andrea Giammarino, Laura Verdolini, Giovanna Simonetti and Letizia Angiolella
Antibiotics 2025, 14(7), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14070718 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 569
Abstract
Background/Objectives: There is an increasing incidence of fungal infections in conjunction with the rise in resistance to medical treatment. Antimicrobial resistance is frequently associated with virulence factors such as adherence and the capacity of biofilm formation, which facilitates the evasion of the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: There is an increasing incidence of fungal infections in conjunction with the rise in resistance to medical treatment. Antimicrobial resistance is frequently associated with virulence factors such as adherence and the capacity of biofilm formation, which facilitates the evasion of the host immune response and resistance to drug action. Novel therapeutic strategies have been developed to overcome antimicrobial resistance, including the use of different type of nanomaterials: metallic (Au, Ag, Fe3O4 and ZnO), organic (e.g., chitosan, liposomes and lactic acid) or carbon-based (e.g., quantum dots, nanotubes and graphene) materials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of nanoparticles of different synthesis and with different coatings on fungi of medical interest. Methods: Literature research was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, and the following terms were employed in articles published up to June 2025: ‘nanoparticles’ in combination with ‘fungal biofilm’, ‘Candida biofilm’, ‘Aspergillus biofilm’, ‘Cryptococcus biofilm’, ‘Fusarium biofilm’ and ‘dermatophytes biofilm’. Results: The utilization of nanoparticles was found to exert a substantial impact on the reduction in fungal biofilm, despite the presence of substantial variability in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values attributable to variations in nanoparticle type and the presence of capping agents. It was observed that the MIC values were lower for metallic nanoparticles, particularly silver, and for those synthesized with polylactic acid compared to the others. Conclusions: Despite the limited availability of data concerning the stability and biocompatibility of nanoparticles employed in the treatment of fungal biofilms, it can be posited that these results constitute a significant initial step. Full article
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21 pages, 6239 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Fe–Cu Alloys via Ball Milling for Electrode Fabrication Used in Electrochemical Nitrate Removal from Wastewater
by Hannanatullgharah Hayeedah, Aparporn Sakulkalavek, Bhanupol Klongratog, Nuttakrit Somdock, Pisan Srirach, Pichet Limsuwan and Kittisakchai Naemchanthara
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2232; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072232 - 12 Jul 2025
Viewed by 304
Abstract
Fe and Cu powders were mixed at a 50:50 ratio. Then, Fe-Cu alloys were prepared using the ball milling technique with different milling times of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 42 h. The crystalline structure was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), [...] Read more.
Fe and Cu powders were mixed at a 50:50 ratio. Then, Fe-Cu alloys were prepared using the ball milling technique with different milling times of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 42 h. The crystalline structure was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and it was found that the optimum milling time was 30 h. The homogeneity of the Fe and Cu elements in the Fe–Cu alloys was analyzed using the scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) mapping technique. Additionally, the crystal orientation of the Fe–Cu alloys was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To fabricate the cathode for nitrate removal via electrolysis, an Fe–Cu alloy milled for 30 h was deposited onto a copper substrate using mechanical milling, then annealed at 800 °C. A pulsed DC electrolysis method was developed to test the nitrate removal efficiency of the Fe–Cu-coated cathode. The anode used was an Al sheet. The synthesized wastewater was prepared from KNO3. Nitrate removal experiments from the synthesized wastewater were performed for durations of 0–4 h. The results show that the nitrate removal efficiency at 4 h was 96.90% compared to 74.40% with the Cu cathode. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Green Processes)
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35 pages, 6721 KiB  
Article
Magnetic Separation of Oil Spills from Water Using Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles with Fluorocarbon Functionalization
by Aljoša Košak, Ajra Hadela, Mojca Poberžnik and Aleksandra Lobnik
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146562 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 521
Abstract
In the present study, we synthesized fluorocarbon-coated cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) magnetic nanoparticles using alkoxysilanes such as trimethoxy(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)silane (TFPTMS), trimethoxy(1H,1H,2H,2H-nonafluorohexyl)silane (NFHTMS), and triethoxy(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl)silane (PFDTES). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques, including X-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM/HRTEM/EDXS), [...] Read more.
In the present study, we synthesized fluorocarbon-coated cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) magnetic nanoparticles using alkoxysilanes such as trimethoxy(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)silane (TFPTMS), trimethoxy(1H,1H,2H,2H-nonafluorohexyl)silane (NFHTMS), and triethoxy(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl)silane (PFDTES). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques, including X-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM/HRTEM/EDXS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), specific surface area measurements (BET), and magnetometry (VSM). To understand their surface characteristics, contact angle (CA) measurements were carried out, providing valuable insights into their hydrophobic properties. Among the samples of CoFe2O4 coated with fluoroalkoxysilanes, those with PFDTES surface coating had the highest water contact angle of 159.2°, indicating their superhydrophobic character. The potential of the prepared fluoroalkoxysilane-coated CoFe2O4 nanoparticles for the removal of waste low-SAPS synthetic engine oil from a model aqueous solution was evaluated based on three key parameters: adsorption efficiency (%), adsorption capacity (mg/g), and desorption efficiency (%). All synthesized CoFe2O4 samples coated with fluoroalkoxysilane showed high oil adsorption efficiency, ranging from 87% to 98%. The average oil adsorption capacity for the samples was as follows: F3-SiO2@CoFe2O4 (3.1 g of oil/g of adsorbent) > F9-SiO2@CoFe2O4 (2.7 g of oil/g of adsorbent) > F17-SiO2@CoFe2O4 (1.5 g of oil/g of adsorbent) as a result of increasing oleophobicity with increasing fluorocarbon chain length. The desorption results, which showed 77–97% oil recovery, highlighted the possibility of reusing the adsorbents in multiple adsorption/desorption cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Science)
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