Influence of non-thermal TiCl4/Ar+O2 plasma-assisted TiOx based coatings on the surface of polypropylene (PP) films for the tailoring of surface properties and cytocompatibility

Nonthermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment of Endosteal Implants for Osseointegration and Antimicrobial Efficacy: A Comprehensive Review

The energy state of endosteal implants is dependent on the material, manufacturing technique, cleaning procedure, sterilization method, and surgical manipulation. An implant surface carrying a positive charge renders hydrophilic properties, thereby facilitating the absorption of vital plasma proteins crucial for osteogenic interactions. Techniques to control the surface charge involve processes like oxidation, chemical and topographical adjustments as well as the application of nonthermal plasma (NTP) treatment. NTP at atmospheric pressure and at room temperature can induce chemical and/or physical reactions that enhance wettability through surface energy changes. NTP has thus been used to modify the oxide layer of endosteal implants that interface with adjacent tissue cells and proteins. Results have indicated that if applied prior to implantation, NTP strengthens the interaction with surrounding hard tissue structures during the critical phases of early healing, thereby promoting rapid bone formation. Also, during this time period, NTP has been found to result in enhanced biomechanical fixation. As such, the application of NTP may serve as a practical and reliable method to improve healing outcomes. This review aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the parameters to be considered in the application of NTP on endosteal implants. In addition, the short- and long-term effects of NTP on osseointegration are addressed, as well as recent advances in the utilization of NTP in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion of Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb Open Porous Scaffold for Biomedical Applications: Process Parameters, Adhesion, and Proliferation of NIH-3T3 Cells

Titanium aluminide (TiAl)-based intermetallics, especially Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb, are a well-established class of materials for producing bulky components using the electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) process. The biological properties of Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy have been rarely investigated, specifically using complex cellular structures. This work investigates the viability and proliferation of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts on Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb dodecahedral open scaffolds manufactured by the EB-PBF process. A process parameter optimization is carried out to produce a fully dense part. Then scaffolds are produced and characterized using different techniques, including scanning electron microscopy and X-ray tomography. In vitro viability tests are performed with NIH-3T3 cells after incubation for 1, 4, and 7 days. The results show that Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb represents a promising new entry in the biomaterial field.

Enhanced Magneto-Optic Properties in Sputtered Bi- Containing Ferrite Garnet Thin Films Fabricated Using Oxygen Plasma Treatment and Metal Oxide Protective Layers

Magneto-optic (MO) imaging and sensing are at present the most developed practical applications of thin-film MO garnet materials. However, in order to improve sensitivity for a range of established and forward-looking applications, the technology and component-related advances are still necessary. These improvements are expected to originate from new material system development. We propose a set of technological modifications for the RF-magnetron sputtering deposition and crystallization annealing of magneto-optic bismuth-substituted iron-garnet films and investigate the improved material properties. Results show that standard crystallization annealing for the as-deposited ultrathin (sputtered 10 nm thick, amorphous phase) films resulted in more than a factor of two loss in the magneto-optical activity of the films in the visible spectral region, compared to the liquid-phase grown epitaxial films. Results also show that an additional 10 nm-thick metal-oxide (Bi₂O₃) protective layer above the amorphous film results in ~2.7 times increase in the magneto-optical quality of crystallized iron-garnet films. On the other hand, the effects of post-deposition oxygen (O₂) plasma treatment on the magneto-optical (MO) properties of Bismuth substituted iron garnet thin film materials are investigated. Results show that in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum (at 532 nm), the O₂ treated (up to 3 min) garnet films retain higher specific Faraday rotation and figures of merit compared to non-treated garnet films.