Search Results (411)

Integrating antibacterial fabrics into wearable technology represents a transformative advancement in healthcare, fashion, and personal hygiene. Antibacterial fabrics, designed to inhibit microbial growth, are gaining prominence due to their potential to reduce infections, enhance durability, and maintain cleanliness in wearable devices. These fabrics offer effective antimicrobial properties while retaining comfort and functionality by incorporating nanotechnology and advanced materials, such as silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and graphene. The production techniques for antibacterial textiles range from chemical and physical surface modifications to biological treatments, each tailored to achieve long-lasting antibacterial performance while preserving fabric comfort and breathability. Advanced methods such as nanoparticle embedding, sol–gel coating, electrospinning, and green synthesis approaches have shown significant promise in enhancing antibacterial efficacy and material compatibility. Wearable technology, including fitness trackers, smart clothing, and medical monitoring devices, relies on prolonged skin contact, making the prevention of bacterial colonization essential for user safety and product longevity. Antibacterial fabrics address these concerns by reducing odor, preventing skin irritation, and minimizing the risk of infection, especially in medical applications such as wound dressings and patient monitoring systems. Despite their potential, integrating antibacterial fabrics into wearable technology presents several challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key antibacterial agents, the production strategies used to fabricate antibacterial textiles, and their emerging applications in wearable technologies. It also highlights the need for interdisciplinary research to overcome current limitations and promote the development of sustainable, safe, and functional antibacterial fabrics for next-generation wearable. Full article

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is considered a coating material capable of limiting the corrosion of biodegradable metallic implants due to its biocompatibility and ability to form a physical barrier. In this study, PHB was deposited on commercial AZ91D magnesium alloy using the spin coating technique. To improve adhesion at the polymer–substrate interface, the magnesium substrates were subjected to atmospheric pressure plasma treatment for different exposure times (5, 10, or 15 min) before coating. The optimal treatment time of 5 min significantly increased substrate wettability and surface free energy, facilitating stronger PHB adhesion. In addition, the PHB coatings were subjected to atmospheric pressure plasma treatment for 5, 10, or 15 s to evaluate potential surface modifications. Corrosion behavior under simulated physiological conditions was assessed via potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in HANK’s solution at 37 °C. Pull-off tests were used to evaluate the adhesion strength between the coating and the substrate under each treatment condition. The results showed a significant decrease in the corrosion rate (V_corr), from 4.083 mm/year for bare Mg-AZ91D to 0.001 mm/year when both the substrate and the polymer received plasma treatment. This indicates that the treatment modifies surfaces and improves interfacial bonding, enhancing polymer–metal interaction and producing durable, biocompatible coatings for medical implants. Full article

Contemporary advances in bioengineering and materials science have substantially improved the viability of medical implants. The demand for optimized implant technologies has led to the development of advanced coatings that enhance biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, and durability. Implant manufacturers and surgeons must anticipate both biological and mechanical challenges when implementing devices for patient use. Key areas of concern include infection, corrosion, wear, immune response, and implant rejection; regulatory and economic considerations must also be addressed. Materials science developments are optimizing the integration of established materials such as biometrics, composites, and nanomaterials, while also advancing fabrication-based innovations including plasma functionalization, anodization, and self-assembled monolayers. Emerging smart and stimuli-responsive surface technologies enable controlled drug delivery and real-time implant status communication. These innovations enhance osseointegration, antimicrobial performance, and overall device functionality across orthopedic, dental, and cardiovascular applications. As implant design continues to shift toward personalized, responsive systems, advanced coating technologies are poised to deliver significantly improved long-term clinical outcomes for patients. Full article

This paper explores the potential of amorphous and nanocrystalline glass-coated microwires as highly versatile, miniaturized sensing elements, leveraging their intrinsic nonlinear magnetization dynamics. In magnetic systems, this approach is particularly advantageous because the degree of nonlinearity can be externally tuned using stimuli such as applied magnetic fields, mechanical stress, or temperature variations. From this context, we summarize key properties of microwires—including bistability, a specific easy magnetization direction, internal stress distributions, and magnetostriction—that can be tailored through composition and annealing. In this review, we compare for the first time two key contactless readout methodologies: (i) time-domain detection of the switching field and (ii) frequency-domain harmonic analysis of the induced voltage. These principles have been successfully applied to a broad range of practical sensors, including devices for monitoring mechanical stress in structural materials, measuring temperature in biomedical settings, and detecting magnetic particles. Together, these advances highlight the potential of microwires for embedded, wireless sensing in both engineering and medical applications. Full article

Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) remain a significant global challenge, as pathogenic microorganisms can persist on hospital surfaces and medical equipment, contributing to severe infections and epidemic outbreaks. Conventional preventive measures, including disinfection procedures and personal protective equipment, are often insufficient to ensure complete microbial control, prompting interest in innovative antimicrobial surface technologies. This study reports the design, preparation, and comprehensive characterization of chitosan- and poly(ε-caprolactone)-based antibacterial coatings incorporating chlorhexidine-loaded zirconium phosphate (ZrPCHX) nanoparticles. Coatings were deposited by optimized spray and brush techniques to obtain uniform, adherent, and well-defined films. Their morphological, physicochemical, mechanical, and cytocompatibility properties were systematically evaluated, and antibacterial efficacy was assessed against clinically relevant pathogens following ISO 22196:2011 and additional protocols simulating realistic hospital conditions. Both coating systems demonstrated pronounced antibacterial activity, with the PCL-based formulation exhibiting a faster and broader bactericidal effect while maintaining good cytocompatibility. These findings support the potential of the developed nanostructured coatings as sustainable and scalable materials for the active decontamination of high-touch hospital surfaces, offering continuous antimicrobial protection and contributing to a reduction in HCAI incidence. Full article

This work presents the results of the synthesis and investigation of new antibacterial composite materials based on acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) copolymer and o-, m-, p-carboxyphenylmaleimides (CPhMI). The composites were obtained by thermal mixing with varying contents of different CPhMI isomers in the polymer matrix. The structural and thermal characteristics of the synthesized materials were investigated using IR and UV spectroscopy, as well as thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The results indicate that the o-isomer imparts the highest thermal stability, while the p-isomer shows slightly lower stability. In terms of processability, the m-isomer exhibits the highest melt flow, the p-isomer an intermediate level, and the o-isomer the lowest. The antibacterial activity of the composites was evaluated by the agar diffusion method against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) microorganisms. All synthesized samples exhibited strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli at a concentration of 0.5 wt%, confirming their potential for application in medical devices, as well as in sanitary polymer coatings and packaging. Full article

Recent studies show that titanium (Ti)-based alloys combine established mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility with emerging electrical and electrochemical properties relevant to bioelectronics. The main goal of the present manuscript is to give a wide-ranging overview on the use of Ti-alloys in electronics and biomedicine, focusing on a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of the existing literature to identify gaps and future directions. Concurrently, the identification of possible correlations between the effects of the manufacturing process, alloying elements, and other degrees of freedom influencing the material characteristics are put in evidence, aiming to establish a global view on efficient interdisciplinary efforts to realize high-added-value smart devices useful in the field of biomedicine, such as, for example, implantable apparatuses. This review mostly summarizes advances in surface modification approaches—including anodization, conductive coatings, and nanostructuring that improve conductivity while maintaining biological compatibility. Trends in applications demonstrate how these alloys support smart implants, biosensors, and neural interfaces by enabling reliable signal transmission and long-term integration with tissue. Key challenges remain in balancing electrical performance with biological response and in scaling laboratory modifications for clinical use. Perspectives for future work include optimizing alloy composition, refining surface treatments, and developing multifunctional designs that integrate mechanical, biological, and electronic requirements. Together, these directions highlight the potential of titanium alloys to serve as foundational materials for next-generation bioelectronic medical technologies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Implant-associated complications, including foreign-body responses and infection risk, remain major concerns in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery. Antimicrobial polymer coatings have been proposed as potential preventive strategies, but early-stage development requires simple and ethically refined in vivo models. This pilot study aimed to (i) establish a practical workflow for applying PLGA–vancomycin coatings onto PTFE substrates used as experimental analogs for smooth silicone implants, and (ii) develop a small-animal implantation protocol for short-term evaluation of surgical feasibility and local tissue tolerability. Materials and Methods: PLGA microparticles and PLGA–vancomycin microparticles were prepared using a double-emulsion solvent-evaporation method and applied onto PTFE discs. Particle size and polydispersity were assessed based on dynamic light scattering (DLS), and surface charge was measured via zeta potential. A bilateral subcutaneous implantation model was used in four Wistar rats, each receiving a PTFE disc coated with PLGA-only on one side and a disc coated with PLGA–vancomycin on the other. Animals were monitored for postoperative recovery, wound appearance, and general condition. After four weeks, implants and surrounding tissues were harvested for macroscopic and preliminary histological evaluation. Results: Both PLGA-only and PLGA–vancomycin microparticles showed submicron mean hydrodynamic diameters and moderately polydisperse distributions typical for double-emulsion formulations. All animals recovered normally, maintained stable body weight, and exhibited no macroscopic signs of adverse reactions. Preliminary histology showed early fibrous capsule formation with mild inflammatory infiltrate around both types of coated implants, without qualitative differences observed in this pilot setting. Conclusions: This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of applying PLGA-only and PLGA–vancomycin coatings onto PTFE implant analogs and establishes a reproducible, minimal-use rat model for short-term evaluation of local tissue tolerability. The protocol provides a practical foundation for future work on coating stability, drug-release kinetics, antibacterial activity, and long-term tissue responses on medical-grade silicone substrates. Full article

The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate the properties of MED610 material coated with a thin titanium (Ti) layer deposited by physical vapour deposition (PVD) for medical applications. The coating was designed to improve biocompatibility and selected functional characteristics, such as the material’s tribological resistance. Two groups of samples—unpolished and polished—were prepared to enable an assessment of the influence of surface topography on functional performance. A titanium layer was applied to both groups, followed by an analysis of the surface geometric structure, contact angle, and tribological properties in an artificial saliva environment with neutral pH, simulating oral cavity conditions. The results of these investigations allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the influence of surface topography and the presence of a Ti coating on the functional properties of MED610, a material approved for contact with soft tissues. The findings confirmed that the application of a titanium coating favourably affected the structure and durability of the material—the coating reduced surface roughness by 20–45% and exhibited good adhesion to the substrate. The polishing and coating processes significantly altered the tribological properties: they increased the coefficient of friction by approximately 31% while simultaneously reducing volumetric wear by up to 75% for uncoated samples and by 44% for samples with a Ti coating. Full article

Low-melting bioabsorbable polymers, such as poly(caprolactone-co-lactide) (PCLA), hold significant promise for biomedical applications. However, achieving high-precision micro- and nanotopographical functionalization remains a formidable challenge due to the material’s susceptibility to thermal deformation during conventional thermal molding processes. In this study, functional microstructured PCLA coatings were engineered via low-temperature nanoimprint lithography utilizing a TiO₂–SiO₂ gas-permeable mold. These molds were synthesized via a sol–gel method utilizing titanium dioxide and silicon precursors. The gas-permeable nature of the mold facilitated the efficient evacuation of trapped air and volatiles during the imprinting process, enabling the high-fidelity replication of microstructures (1.3 μm height, 3 μm pitch) and nanostructured PCLA coatings featuring linewidths as narrow as 600 nm. The resultant microstructured PCLA coatings demonstrated modulated surface wettability, evidenced by an increase in water contact angles from 70.1° to 91.4°, and exhibited enhanced FD4 elution kinetics. These results confirm morphology-driven functionalities, specifically hydrophobicity and controlled release capabilities. Collectively, these findings underscore the efficacy of this microfabrication approach for polycaprolactone-based materials and highlight its potential to catalyze the development of high-value-added biomaterials for advanced medical and life science applications. This study establishes a foundational framework for the practical deployment of next-generation bioabsorbable materials and is anticipated to drive innovation in precision medical manufacturing. Full article

Crosstalk between elements in ultrasonic transducer arrays significantly degrades image quality in medical ultrasound systems by introducing noise and reducing spatial resolution. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the origins of crosstalk—acoustic, mechanical, and electrical—and the main characterization methods used to analyze it, including direct measurements, impedance analysis, finite element modeling, and equivalent circuit approaches. Emphasis is placed on recent advances in passive and active mitigation strategies, such as material coatings, structural decoupling, phononic crystals, adaptive filtering, and impedance matching. A key finding is that the optimal crosstalk reduction method depends strongly on the transducer technology employed—whether CMUT, PMUT, or bulk PZT. The review highlights the importance of tailoring mitigation techniques to the physical properties and operating conditions of each technology. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying remaining challenges—particularly the role of filler material losses—this work offers a solid foundation for the development of next-generation ultrasound arrays with enhanced imaging performance. Full article

The coagulation cascade triggered by the contact between blood and the surface of implantable/interventional devices can lead to thrombosis, severely compromising the long-term safety and efficacy of medical devices. As an alternative to systemic anticoagulants, surface anticoagulant modification technology can achieve safer hemocompatibility on the device surface, holding significant potential for clinical application. This article systematically elaborates on the latest research progress in the surface anticoagulant modification of blood-contacting materials. It analyzes and discusses the main strategies and their evolution, spanning from physically inert carbon-based coatings and heparin-based drug-functionalized surfaces to hydrophilic/hydrophobic dynamic physical barriers, biologically signaling regulatory coatings, and bio-integrative/regenerative endothelium-mimicking surfaces. The advantages and limitations of the respective methods are outlined, and the potential for synergistic application of multiple strategies is explored. A special emphasis is placed on current research hotspots regarding novel anticoagulant surface technologies, such as hydrogel coatings, liquid-infused surfaces, and 3D-printed endothelialization, aiming to provide insights and references for developing long-term, safe, and hemocompatible cardiovascular implantable devices. Full article

The surface modification of medical implant materials stands as a favorable strategy to enhance their biological properties including their antibacterial effect and biocompatibility. Recently, both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that film heterostructures based on a combination of noble metal sublayers and an active component, such as silver and gold nanoparticles, offer unique advantages. The present work develops this promising direction and focuses on a series of combinations of noble metal coatings functionalized with bimetallic nanoclusters obtained by vapor-phase deposition methods onto the surfaces of Ti-based implants. This investigation investigates the influence of sequential deposition (AgAu or AuAg) and noble metal component (Ir or Au) on the coating morphology and the active component chemical form and release. Thus, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy have been applied to characterize the samples before and after in vivo biological studies (rat models, 1 and 3 months). Histological and blood analyses confirmed the high biocompatibility of all the heterostructures. The samples also showed a pronounced in vitro biocidal effect against Gram-positive (S. epidermalis) and Gram-negative (P. aeruginosa) bacteria that correlates with a dynamic of silver release. The AuAg/M heterostructures demonstrated superior biological characteristics compared to their AgAu/M counterparts, suggesting enhanced both long-term integration and antibacterial action. Full article

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and biofilm-associated infections represent a major global health concern, particularly in the context of medical devices such as catheters, tubing, and blood sampling devices. Biofilms, responsible for up to 85% of human infections, confer a high level of microbial resistance and compromise device performance and patient safety. In this study, the antibiofilm potential of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) essential oil was investigated through an in vitro assay. GC–MS analysis revealed eugenol (72.77%) as the predominant compound, accompanied by β-caryophyllene (14.72%) and carvacrol (2.09%). The essential oil exhibited notable antimicrobial activity, producing inhibition zones of 30.5 ± 4.5 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, 24.5 ± 0.5 mm against Micrococcus luteus, 16.0 ± 2.0 mm against Escherichia coli, 13.0 ± 1.0 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 23.5 ± 1.5 mm against Candida albicans, and 24.0 ± 2.0 mm against C. glabrata. A marked reduction in biofilm biomass observed on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) surfaces. The application of clove essential oil as a coating for PVC-based medical devices remains a future possibility that requires formulation and in vivo testing. This strategy is proposed as potentially eco-safe, although environmental toxicity and biocompatibility have not yet been evaluated. It could contribute to the prevention of biofilm formation in arterial sampling systems and other healthcare-related materials, thereby enhancing device safety and longevity. Full article

Radiation shielding in medical settings has traditionally relied on fixed structural models, with thicknesses and material composition determined by their shielding effect against direct X-rays. However, clinical practice increasingly demands lightweight and biocompatible shielding tools that can be locally applied to specific anatomical regions. Such tools should allow rapid installation and removal, skin protection, and disposable as well as continuous shielding. As a potential solution, this study aimed to improve the effectiveness of a cream-type material that directly coats the skin with shielding agents. A modeling pack was fabricated using bismuth oxide, an eco-friendly shielding material; zinc oxide, commonly utilized in cosmetics for ultraviolet protection; and alginate, which enhances skin adhesion by evaporating moisture. The effects of varying bismuth oxide and zinc oxide ratios on porosity and shielding performance were evaluated to establish assessment criteria for future commercialization. The experimental results demonstrated that higher proportions of bismuth oxide enhanced the shielding effect, while a linear change in shielding rate was observed at a thickness of 1.0 mm. Although pore structure variations were minimal, optimizing inter-particle arrangement may further improve skin adhesion. These findings suggest that cream-type radiation-shielding materials are highly promising for medical applications. Full article