Search Results (1,037)

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer which, due to its very high mechanical properties and high chemical resistance, has found application in the automotive, aerospace, chemical, food and medical (biomedical engineering) industries. Owing to the use of additive technologies, particularly the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) method, this material is the most widely used plastic to produce skull reconstruction implants, parts of dental implants and orthopedic implants, including spinal, knee and hip implants. PEEK enables the creation of personalized implants, which not only have greater elasticity compared to implants made of metal alloys but also resemble the physical properties of the cortical layer of human bone in terms of their mechanical properties. Therefore, the aim of this article is to characterize polyether ether ketone as an alternative material used in the manufacturing of implants in orthopedics and dentistry. Full article

The aim of this review is to investigate the possibility of fabricating coatings functionalized with bioactive molecules. These coatings are interesting when applied to biomedical devices, particularly in the orthopedic field. In fact, the application of calcium phosphate-based coatings on the surface of implanted devices is an effective strategy to increase their osteoinductive and osseointegrative properties. Several coating fabrication technologies are presented, including chemical deposition and physical methods. The application of bioactive molecules in combination with calcium phosphate coatings may improve their osteointegrative, antibacterial, and antitumor properties, therefore increasing the performance of implantable devices. Full article

Background: The aim of this review is to summarize and evaluate the properties of antibacterial polysaccharides for application in dental implantology to identify knowledge gaps and provide new research ideas. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, Medline, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were used to search for peer-reviewed scientific publications published between 2018 and 2025 that provide insights to answer research questions on the role of antibacterial polysaccharides in combating pathogens in dental implantology without triggering immune reactions and inflammation. Further research questions relate to the efficacy against various dental pathogens and the understanding of the antibacterial mechanism, which may enable the development of functionalized polysaccharides with long-term antibacterial activity. Results: Biomedical implants have revolutionized medicine but also increased the risk of infections. Implant infections are a major problem in implantology and lead to implant failure and replacement. An antibacterial coating could be an excellent strategy to extend the lifespan of implants and improve the quality of the patient’s life. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses significant challenges for researchers, forcing them to search for new ways to prevent bacterial infections in implantology. Antibacterial natural polymers have recently received considerable research attention due to their long-term antibacterial activity. Polysaccharides from marine sources, such as chitosan and alginate, or pectin, xanthan, etc., from various plants, appear to be promising biopolymers for such applications in implantology due to their antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and osteogenic properties. The antibacterial activity of these natural biopolymers depends on their chemical and physical properties. Nanopolysaccharides exhibit higher antibacterial activity than conventional polysaccharides, but their toxicity to human cells must be considered. Their antibacterial activity is based on the disruption of bacterial DNA or RNA synthesis, increased cell wall permeability, membrane disruption, and cytoplasmic leakage. Conclusions: Polysaccharides are a class of natural polymers with a broad spectrum of biological activities. They exhibit antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticoagulant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activity. Furthermore, polysaccharides are non-cytotoxic and exhibit good biocompatibility with osteogenic cells. Bactericidal polysaccharides are attractive new antibacterial materials against implant infections and open up new perspectives in implantology. Full article

Titanium alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V are widely used in biomedical implants due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, but their bioinert nature limits osseointegration and antibacterial performance. This study proposes a multifunctional surface coating system integrating a thermally oxidized TiO₂ interlayer with a hydroxyapatite (HAp) top layer synthesized via a green route using Hylocereus undatus extract. The HAp was deposited by electrophoretic deposition (EPD), enabling continuous coverage and strong adhesion to the pre-treated Ti-6Al-4V substrate. Structural, morphological, chemical, and electrical characterizations were performed using XRD, SEM, EDS, Raman spectroscopy, and impedance spectroscopy. Bioactivity was assessed through apatite formation in simulated body fluid (SBF), while antibacterial properties were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus. The results demonstrated successful formation of crystalline TiO₂ (rutile phase) and calcium-rich HAp with good surface coverage. The HAp-coated surfaces exhibited significantly enhanced bioactivity and strong antibacterial performance, likely due to the combined effects of surface roughness and the bioactive compounds present in the plant extract. This study highlights the potential of eco-friendly, bio-inspired surface engineering to improve the biological performance of titanium-based implants. Full article

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an advanced additive manufacturing technology that is gaining increasing interest for biomedical implants because it can produce dense, patient-specific metallic components with controlled microstructures. This study investigated the LPBF fabrication of 316L stainless steel, which is widely used in orthopedic and dental implants, and examined the effects of laser power and scanning speed on the microstructure and mechanical properties relevant to biomedical applications. The study achieved 99.97% density and refined columnar and cellular austenitic grains, with optimized molten pool morphology. The optimal LPBF parameters, 190 W laser power and 700 mm/s, produced a tensile strength of 762.83 MPa and hardness of 253.07 HV_0.2, which exceeded the values of conventional cast 316L stainless steel. These results demonstrated the potential of optimized LPBF 316L stainless steel for functional biomedical applications that require high mechanical integrity and biocompatibility. Full article

This study investigates the surface modification of Ti-6Al-4V alloy through the electrical discharge machining (EDM) process to improve its suitability for orthopedic and dental implant applications. The analysis focused on evaluating the morphological, wettability, roughness, hardness, and biocompatibility properties of the modified surfaces. Samples were subjected to different dielectric fluids and polarities during EDM. Subsequently, optical microscopy, roughness measurements, Vickers microhardness, contact angle tests, and in vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed. The results demonstrated that EDM processing led to the formation of distinct layers on the sample surfaces, with surface roughness increasing under negative polarity by up to ~304% in Ra and 305% in Rz. Additionally, wettability measurements indicated that the modified surfaces presented a lower water contact angle, which suggests enhanced hydrophilicity. Moreover, the modified samples showed a significant increase in Vickers microhardness, with the highest value reaching 1520 HV in the recast layer, indicating improvements in the mechanical properties. According to ISO 10993-5, all treated samples were classified as non-cytotoxic, presenting RGR values above 75%, similar to the untreated Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Therefore, it is concluded that surface modification through the EDM process has the potential to enhance the properties and safety of biomedical implants made with this alloy. Full article

Nafion has long been recognized as the gold standard for proton exchange membranes, due to its exceptional ion exchange capacity and its advanced performance in chemically aggressive environments. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated that Nafion is equally well-suited in complex biological conditions owing to its structural robustness, responsive functionality and intrinsic biocompatibility. These characteristics have enabled its transition into the biomedical and healthcare sectors, where it is currently being explored for a diverse and expanding range of applications. To that end, Nafion has been systematically investigated as a key component in bioelectronic systems for energy harvest, sensors, wearable electronics, tissue engineering, lab-on-a-chip platforms, implants, controlled drug delivery systems and antimicrobial surface coatings. This review examines the distinctive structural and electrochemical characteristics that underpin Nafion’s performance in these biomedical contexts, provides an overview of recent advancements, emphasizes critical performance metrics and highlights the material’s growing potential to shape the future of biomedical technology. Full article

This study investigates the effects of ultrasonic nanocrystalline surface modification (UNSM) on the formation of nitride layers in Ti-6Al-4V alloy during ion-plasma nitriding (IPN). Various UNSM parameters, including vibration amplitude, static load, and processing temperature, were systematically varied to evaluate their influence on microstructure, hardness, elastic modulus, and tribological behavior. The results reveal that pre-treatment with optimized UNSM conditions significantly enhances nitrogen diffusion, leading to the formation of dense and uniform TiN/Ti₂N layers. Samples pre-treated under high-load and elevated-temperature UNSM exhibited the greatest improvements in surface hardness (up to 25%), elastic modulus (up to 18%), and wear resistance, with a reduced and stabilized friction coefficient (~0.55). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed microstructural densification, grain refinement, and increased nitride phase intensity. These findings demonstrate not only the scientific relevance but also the practical potential of UNSM as an effective surface activation technique. The hybrid UNSM + IPN approach may serve as a promising method for extending the service life of load-bearing biomedical implants and engineering components subjected to intensive wear. Full article

In this study, a Ag/ZrO₂ hybrid coating prepared by the sol–gel method on a β-type Ti45Nb alloy was applied by the spin coating technique, and the microstructural, mechanical, electrochemical, and tribological properties of the surface were evaluated in a multi-dimensional manner. The hybrid solution was prepared using zirconium propoxide and silver nitrate and stabilized through a low-temperature two-stage annealing protocol. The crystal structure of the coating was determined by XRD, and the presence of dense tetragonal ZrO₂ phase and crystalline Ag phases was confirmed. SEM-EDS analyses revealed a compact coating structure of approximately 1.8 µm thickness with homogeneously distributed Ag nanoparticles on the surface. As a result of the electrochemical corrosion tests, it was determined that the open circuit potential shifted to more noble values, the corrosion current density decreased, and the corrosion rate decreased by more than 70% on the surfaces where the Ag/ZrO₂ coating was applied. In the tribological tests, a decrease in the coefficient of friction, narrowing of wear marks, and significant reduction in surface damage were observed in dry and physiological (HBSS) environments. The findings revealed that the Ag/ZrO₂ hybrid coating significantly improved the surface performance of the Ti45Nb alloy both mechanically and electrochemically and offers high potential for biomedical implant applications. Full article

Polymeric composite thin films have emerged as promising antimicrobial materials, particularly in response to rising antibiotic resistance. This review highlights the development and application of such films produced by laser-based deposition techniques, notably pulsed laser deposition and matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation. These methods offer precise control over film composition, structure, and thickness, making them ideal for embedding antimicrobial agents such as metal nanoparticles, antibiotics, and natural compounds into polymeric matrices. The resulting composite coatings exhibit enhanced antimicrobial properties against a wide range of pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains, by leveraging mechanisms such as ion release, reactive oxygen species generation, and membrane disruption. The review also discusses critical parameters influencing antimicrobial efficacy, including film morphology, composition, and substrate interactions. Applications include biomedical devices, implants, wound dressings, and surfaces in the healthcare and food industries. Full article

A new, simple machine was developed to address a long-standing challenge in biomedical and mechanical engineering: how to enhance the primary stability and long-term integration of screws and implants in low-density or heterogeneous materials, such as bone or composite substrates. Traditional screws often rely solely on external threading for fixation, leading to limited cohesion, poor integration, or early loosening under cyclic loading. In response to this problem, we designed and built a novel device that leverages a unique mechanical principle to simultaneously perforate, collect, and compact the substrate material during insertion. This mechanism results in an internal material interlock, enhancing cohesion and stability. Drawing upon principles from physics, chemistry, engineering, and biology, we evaluated its biomechanical behavior in synthetic bone analogs. The maximum insertion (MIT) and removal torques (MRT) were measured on synthetic osteoporotic bones using a digital torquemeter, and the values were compared directly. Experimental results demonstrated that removal torque (mean of 21.2 Ncm) consistently exceeded insertion torque (mean of 20.2 Ncm), indicating effective material interlocking and cohesive stabilization. This paper reviews the relevant literature, presents new data, and discusses potential applications in civil infrastructure, aerospace, and energy systems where substrate cohesion is critical. The findings suggest that this new simple machine offers a transformative approach to improving fixation and integration across multiple domains. Full article

This study investigates the development of silver (Ag)-doped zirconia (ZrO₂) coatings deposited on 316LVM stainless steel via the unbalanced magnetron sputtering technique. The oxygen content in the Ar/O₂ gas mixture was systematically varied (12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, and 50%) to assess its influence on the resulting coating properties. In response to the growing demand for biomedical implants with improved durability and biocompatibility, the objective was to develop coatings that enhance both wear and corrosion resistance in physiological environments. The effects of silver incorporation and oxygen concentration on the structural, tribological, and electrochemical behavior of the coatings were systematically analyzed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to identify crystalline phases, while atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to characterize surface topography prior to wear testing. Wear resistance was evaluated using a ball-on-plane tribometer under simulated prosthetic motion, applying a 5 N load with a bone pin as the counter body. Corrosion resistance was assessed through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a physiological solution. Additionally, tribocorrosive performance was investigated by coupling tribological and electrochemical tests in Ringer’s lactate solution, simulating dynamic in vivo contact conditions. The results demonstrate that Ag doping, combined with increased oxygen content in the sputtering atmosphere, significantly improves both wear and corrosion resistance. Notably, the ZrO₂-Ag coating deposited with 50% O₂ exhibited the lowest wear volume (0.086 mm³) and a minimum coefficient of friction (0.0043) under a 5 N load. This same coating also displayed superior electrochemical performance, with the highest charge transfer resistance (38.83 kΩ·cm²) and the lowest corrosion current density (3.32 × 10⁻⁸ A/cm²). These findings confirm the high structural integrity and outstanding tribocorrosive behavior of the coating, highlighting its potential for application in biomedical implant technology. Full article

The surface quality of biomedical implants, such as shoulder joint caps, plays a critical role in their performance, longevity, and biocompatibility. Most biomedical shoulder joints fail to reach their optimal functionality when finished through conventional techniques like grinding and lapping due to their inability to achieve nanometer-grade smoothness, which results in greater wear and friction along with potential failure. The advanced magnetorheological finishing (MRF) approach provides enhanced surface quality through specific dimensional control material removal. This research evaluates how MRF treatment affects the surface roughness performance and microhardness properties and wear resistance behavior of cobalt–chromium alloy shoulder joint caps which have biocompatible qualities. The study implements a magnetorheological finishing system built with an electromagnetic tool to achieve the surface roughness improvements from 0.35 µm to 0.03 µm. The microhardness measurements show that MRF applications lead to a rise from HV 510 to HV 560 which boosts the wear protection of samples. After MRF finishing, the coefficient of friction demonstrates a decrease from 0.12 to 0.06 which proves improved tribological properties of these implants. The results show that MRF technology delivers superior benefits for biomedical use as it extends implant life span and decreases medical complications leading to better patient health outcomes. The purposeful evaluation of finishing techniques and their effects on implant functionality demonstrates MRF is an advanced technology for upcoming orthopedic implants while yielding high precision and enhanced durability and functional output. Full article

Recent advancements in polymer science have catalyzed a transformative shift in biomedical engineering, particularly through the development of biodegradable and smart polymers. This review explores the evolution, functionality, and application of these materials in areas such as tissue scaffolding, cardiovascular occluders, and controlled drug delivery systems. Emphasis is placed on shape-memory polymers (SMPs), conductive polymers, and polymer-based composites that combine tunable degradation, mechanical strength, and bioactivity. The synergy between natural and synthetic polymers—augmented by nanotechnology and additive manufacturing—enables the creation of intelligent scaffolds and implantable devices tailored for specific clinical needs. Key fabrication methods, including electrospinning, freeze-drying, and emulsion-based techniques, are discussed in relation to pore structure and functionalization strategies. Finally, the review highlights emerging trends, including ionic doping, 3D printing, and multifunctional nanocarriers, outlining their roles in the future of regenerative medicine and personalized therapeutics. Full article

This study analyzes the recent scientific literature on advanced biocompatible materials for triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) in biomedical applications. Focusing on materials like synthetic polymers, carbon-based derivatives, and advanced hybrids, the study interprets findings regarding their triboelectric properties and performance influenced by surface texture and additive manufacturing techniques. Major findings reveal that precise control over surface morphology, enabled by additive manufacturing (AM) is promising for optimizing transferred charge density and maximizing TENG efficiency. The analysis highlights the relevance of these material systems and fabrication strategies for developing self-powered wearable and implantable biomedical devices through enabling biocompatible energy-harvesting components that can operate autonomously without external power, underscoring the need for stringent biocompatibility and performance stability. This work synthesizes current progress, identifying critical material and process design parameters for advancing the field of biocompatible TENGs. Full article