1
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Scolaro C, Sfameni S, Pagliaro M, Ciriminna R, Visco A. Comparative Investigation of AquaSun Eco-Friendly Antifouling Coating via Rheological and Mechanical Characterization. ACS Omega 2023; 8:43850-43855. [PMID: 38027382 PMCID: PMC10666214 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Rheological and mechanical comparative tests of the new AquaSun antifouling sol-gel coating coated on shipbuilding steel compared to a commercial silyl acrylate antifouling top coat containing cuprous oxide and copper pyrithione show further evidence of the practical viability of this multifunctional coating for the protection of the immersed surfaces from biofouling. AquaSun is a less rigid or less viscous material than commercial top coat but more adherent to the steel substrate. These results support further investigation of this multifunctional sol-gel coating as an eco-friendly antifouling paint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Scolaro
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria, Università di Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Silvia Sfameni
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria, Università di Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Mario Pagliaro
- Istituto
per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati, CNR, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosaria Ciriminna
- Istituto
per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati, CNR, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Annamaria Visco
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria, Università di Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Istituto
per i Polimeri, Compositi e Biomateriali, CNR, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
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2
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Beghetto V, Gatto V, Samiolo R, Scolaro C, Brahimi S, Facchin M, Visco A. Plastics today: Key challenges and EU strategies towards carbon neutrality: A review. Environ Pollut 2023; 334:122102. [PMID: 37414120 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Never as today the need for collaborative interactions between industry, the scientific community, NGOs, policy makers and citizens has become crucial for the development of shared political choices and protection of the environment, for the safeguard of future generations. The complex socio-economic and environmental interconnections that underlie the EU strategy of the last years, within the framework of the Agenda 2030 and the green deal, often create perplexity and confusion that make difficult to outline the definition of a common path to achieve carbon neutrality and "net zero emissions" by 2050. Scope of this work is to give a general overview of EU policies, directives, regulations, and laws concerning polymers and plastic manufacturing, aiming to reduce plastic pollution, allowing for a better understanding of the implications that environmental concern and protection may generate from a social-economical point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Beghetto
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Mestre, Italy; Crossing S.r.l., Viale della Repubblica 193/b, 31100, Treviso, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Reattività Chimiche e La Catalisi (CIRCC), Via C. Ulpiani 27, 70126, Bari, Italy.
| | - Vanessa Gatto
- Crossing S.r.l., Viale della Repubblica 193/b, 31100, Treviso, Italy
| | - Riccardo Samiolo
- Crossing S.r.l., Viale della Repubblica 193/b, 31100, Treviso, Italy
| | - Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Salim Brahimi
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Manuela Facchin
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Mestre, Italy
| | - Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166, Messina, Italy; Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials - CNR IPCB, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 9-95126, Catania, Italy
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3
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Scolaro C, Liotta LF, Calabrese C, Marcì G, Visco A. Adhesive and Rheological Features of Ecofriendly Coatings with Antifouling Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15112456. [PMID: 37299255 DOI: 10.3390/polym15112456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, formulations of "environmentally compatible" silicone-based antifouling, synthesized in the laboratory and based on copper and silver on silica/titania oxides, have been characterized. These formulations are capable of replacing the non-ecological antifouling paints currently available on the market. The texture properties and the morphological analysis of these powders with an antifouling action indicate that their activity is linked to the nanometric size of the particles and to the homogeneous dispersion of the metal on the substrate. The presence of two metal species on the same support limits the formation of nanometric species and, therefore, the formation of homogeneous compounds. The presence of the antifouling filler, specifically the one based on titania (TiO2) and silver (Ag), facilitates the achievement of a higher degree of cross-linking of the resin, and therefore, a better compactness and completeness of the coating than that attained with the pure resin. Thus, a high degree of adhesion to the tie-coat and, consequently, to the steel support used for the construction of the boats was achieved in the presence of the silver-titania antifouling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Leonarda Francesca Liotta
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN)-CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Calabrese
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN)-CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marcì
- "Schiavello-Grillone" Photocatalysis Group, Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale Delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, CNR-IPCB, Via P. Gaifami 18, 9-95126 Catania, Italy
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4
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Sfameni S, Rando G, Marchetta A, Scolaro C, Cappello S, Urzì C, Visco A, Plutino MR. Development of Eco-Friendly Hydrophobic and Fouling-Release Coatings for Blue-Growth Environmental Applications: Synthesis, Mechanical Characterization and Biological Activity. Gels 2022; 8:gels8090528. [PMID: 36135240 PMCID: PMC9498436 DOI: 10.3390/gels8090528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The need to ensure adequate antifouling protection of the hull in the naval sector led to the development of real painting cycles, which involve the spreading of three layers of polymeric material on the hull surface exposed to the marine environment, specifically defined as primer, tie coat and final topcoat. It is already well known that coatings based on suitable silanes provide an efficient and non-toxic approach for the hydrophobic and antifouling/fouling release treatment of surfaces. In the present work, functional hydrophobic hybrid silica-based coatings (topcoats) were developed by using sol-gel technology and deposited on surfaces with the “doctor blade” method. In particular, those organic silanes, featuring opportune functional groups such as long (either fluorinated) alkyl chains, have a notable influence on surface wettability as showed in this study. Furthermore, the hydrophobic behavior of this functionalized coating was improved by introducing an intermediate commercial tie-coat layer between the primer and the topcoat, in order to decrease the wettability (i.e., decreasing the surface energy with a matching increase in the contact angle, CA) and to therefore make such coatings ideal for the design and development of fouling release paints. The hereby synthesized coatings were characterized by optical microscopy, contact angle analysis and a mechanical pull-off test to measure the adhesive power of the coating against a metal substrate typically used in the nautical sector. Analysis to evaluate the bacterial adhesion and the formation of microbial biofilm were related in laboratory and simulation (microcosm) scales, and assessed by SEM analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Sfameni
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada di Dio, S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN—CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Rando
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN—CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessia Marchetta
- Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada di Dio, S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Simone Cappello
- Institute for Biological Resource and Marine Biotechnology (IRBIM)-CNR of Messina, Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Clara Urzì
- Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.U.); (A.V.); (M.R.P.)
| | - Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada di Dio, S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials-CNR IPCB, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.U.); (A.V.); (M.R.P.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Plutino
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN—CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.U.); (A.V.); (M.R.P.)
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5
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Visco A, Scolaro C, Facchin M, Brahimi S, Belhamdi H, Gatto V, Beghetto V. Agri-Food Wastes for Bioplastics: European Prospective on Possible Applications in Their Second Life for a Circular Economy. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:2752. [PMID: 35808796 PMCID: PMC9268966 DOI: 10.3390/polym14132752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Agri-food wastes (such as brewer's spent grain, olive pomace, residual pulp from fruit juice production, etc.) are produced annually in very high quantities posing a serious problem, both environmentally and economically. These wastes can be used as secondary starting materials to produce value-added goods within the principles of the circular economy. In this context, this review focuses on the use of agri-food wastes either to produce building blocks for bioplastics manufacturing or biofillers to be mixed with other bioplastics. The pros and cons of the literature analysis have been highlighted, together with the main aspects related to the production of bioplastics, their use and recycling. The high number of European Union (EU)-funded projects for the valorisation of agri-food waste with the best European practices for this industrial sector confirm a growing interest in safeguarding our planet from environmental pollution. However, problems such as the correct labelling and separation of bioplastics from fossil ones remain open and to be optimised, with the possibility of reuse before final composting and selective recovery of biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (S.B.); (H.B.)
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials-CNR IPCB, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (S.B.); (H.B.)
| | - Manuela Facchin
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Mestre, Italy;
| | - Salim Brahimi
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (S.B.); (H.B.)
| | - Hossem Belhamdi
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (S.B.); (H.B.)
| | - Vanessa Gatto
- Crossing S.r.l., Viale della Repubblica 193/b, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
| | - Valentina Beghetto
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Mestre, Italy;
- Crossing S.r.l., Viale della Repubblica 193/b, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
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6
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Belhamdi H, Kouini B, Grasso A, Scolaro C, Sili A, Visco A. Tribological behavior of biomedical grade
UHMWPE
with graphite‐based fillers against
EBM‐Ti6Al4V pin
under various lubricating conditions. J Appl Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/app.52313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hossem Belhamdi
- Research Unit: Materials, Processes, and Environment (RU/MPE) M'Hamed Bougara University Boumerdes Algeria
- Department of Engineering University of Messina Messina Italy
| | - Benalia Kouini
- Laboratory of Coatings, Materials, and Environment M'Hamed Bougara University Boumerdes Algeria
| | - Antonio Grasso
- Department of Engineering University of Messina Messina Italy
- Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials ‐ CNR IPCB Catania Italy
| | | | - Andrea Sili
- Department of Engineering University of Messina Messina Italy
| | - Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering University of Messina Messina Italy
- Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials ‐ CNR IPCB Catania Italy
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7
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering University of Messina Messina Italy
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials ‐ CNR IPCB Catania Italy
| | | | - Alfio Torrisi
- Department of Mathematics and Physics"Ennio De Giorgi" CEDAD (CEnter of applied physics, DAting and Diagnostics) Lecce Italy
| | - Lorenzo Torrisi
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences, MIFT, Università di Messina Messina Italy
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8
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9
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Visco A, Scolaro C, Quattrocchi A, Montanini R. Mechanical Characterization of Nanocomposite Joints Based on Biomedical Grade Polyethylene under Cyclical Loads. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12112681. [PMID: 33202929 PMCID: PMC7696717 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymeric joints, made of biomedical polyethylene (UHMWPE) nanocomposite sheets, were welded with a diode laser. Since polyethylene does not absorb laser light, nanocomposites were prepared containing different percentages by weight of titanium dioxide as it is a laser absorbent. The joints were first analyzed with static mechanical tests to establish the best percentage weight content of filler that had the best mechanical response. Then, the nanocomposites containing 1 wt% titanium dioxide were selected (white color) to be subjected to fatigue tests. The experimental results were also compared with those obtained on UMMWPE with a different laser light absorbent nano filler (carbon, with greater laser absorbing power, gray in color), already studied by our research team. The results showed that the two types of joints had an appreciable resistance to fatigue, depending on the various loads imposed. Therefore, they can be chosen in different applications of UHMWPE, depending on the stresses imposed during their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (A.Q.); (R.M.)
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials-CNR IPCB, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-676-5249
| | - Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (A.Q.); (R.M.)
| | - Antonino Quattrocchi
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (A.Q.); (R.M.)
| | - Roberto Montanini
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (A.Q.); (R.M.)
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10
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Catauro M, Scolaro C, Dal Poggetto G, Pacifico S, Visco A. Wear Resistant Nanocomposites Based on Biomedical Grade UHMWPE Paraffin Oil and Carbon Nano-Filler: Preliminary Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Activity Investigation. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12040978. [PMID: 32331367 PMCID: PMC7240565 DOI: 10.3390/polym12040978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present paper, we investigate the effectiveness of nanocomposites (composed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) mixed with carbon nano-filler (CNF) and medical grade paraffin oil (PO), from the biological point of view. Wear measurements were carried out without (air) and with lubricant (distilled water, natural, and artificial lubricant), and antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity were evaluated. The results highlighted that the presence of CNF is important in the nanocomposite formulation because it reduces the wear rate and prevents oxidative degradation during its processing. An amount of 1.0 wt % of CNF is best because it reaches the optimal distribution within the polymeric matrix, resulting in the best wear resistant, bio-active, and anti-bacterial nanocomposite among all investigated samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelina Catauro
- Department of Engineering, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Roma 29, I-81031 Aversa, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (A.V.); Tel.: +39-082/5010360 (M.C.); Tel.: +39-090-676-5249/3808 (A.V.)
| | - Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy;
| | | | - Severina Pacifico
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies; University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy;
- Istituto per i Polimeri, Compositi e Biomateriali - CNR IPCB, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 9-95126 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (A.V.); Tel.: +39-082/5010360 (M.C.); Tel.: +39-090-676-5249/3808 (A.V.)
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11
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Pistone A, Iannazzo D, Celesti C, Scolaro C, Giofré SV, Romeo R, Visco A. Chitosan/PAMAM/Hydroxyapatite Engineered Drug Release Hydrogels with Tunable Rheological Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E754. [PMID: 32244275 PMCID: PMC7240481 DOI: 10.3390/polym12040754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, a new formulation of biodegradable and bioresorbable chitosan-based hydrogel for controlled drug release was investigated. A chitosan-dendrimer-hydroxyapatite hydrogel, obtained by covalently grafting chitosan powder with an hyperbranched PAMAM dendrimer followed by in-situ precipitation of hydroxyapatite and gelification, was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, NMR, TGA, XRD and rheological studies. The hydrogels have been also doped with an anti-inflammatory drug (ketoprofen) in order to investigate their drug release properties. Chemical and chemical-physical characterizations confirmed the successful covalent functionalization of chitosan with PAMAM and the synthesis of nanostructured hydroxyapatite. The developed hydrogel made it possible to obtain an innovative system with tunable rheological and drug-releasing properties relative to the well-known formulation containing chitosan and hydroxyapatite powder. The developed hydrogel showed different rheological and drug-releasing properties of chitosan matrix mixed with hydroxyapatite as a function of dendrimer molecular weight; therefore, the chitosan-dendrimer-hydroxyapatite hydrogel can couple the well-known osteoconductive properties of hydroxyapatite with the drug-release behavior and good processability of chitosan-dendrimer hydrogels, opening new approaches in the field of tissue engineering based on biopolymeric scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Pistone
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada Di Dio, I-98166 Messina, Italy; (C.C.); (C.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Daniela Iannazzo
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada Di Dio, I-98166 Messina, Italy; (C.C.); (C.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Consuelo Celesti
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada Di Dio, I-98166 Messina, Italy; (C.C.); (C.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada Di Dio, I-98166 Messina, Italy; (C.C.); (C.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Salvatore V. Giofré
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, I-98168 Messina, Italy; (S.V.G.); (R.R.)
| | - Roberto Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, I-98168 Messina, Italy; (S.V.G.); (R.R.)
| | - Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada Di Dio, I-98166 Messina, Italy; (C.C.); (C.S.); (A.V.)
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12
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Visco A, Scolaro C, Giamporcaro A, De Caro S, Tranquillo E, Catauro M. Threads Made with Blended Biopolymers: Mechanical, Physical and Biological Features. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:polym11050901. [PMID: 31108907 PMCID: PMC6572296 DOI: 10.3390/polym11050901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly (Lactic Acid), PLA, and Poly (ε-CaproLactone), PCL, compatibilized with Ethyl Ester l-Lysine Triisocyanate (LTI) can be employed as biomaterials. We mixed PLA with PCL and LTI in a twin extruder and by a melt spinning process obtained threads with an average diameter of about 0.3 mm. In order to study the possible application of these threads, mechanical tensile (with the calorimetric and morphological investigations) and biological tests were performed. The results highlighted these biopolymers as promising materials for sutures since they can be rigid and elastic (especially by increasing the PCL amount in the blend), and they are bioactive, able to inhibit bacterial growth. This paper represents a starting point to optimize the blend composition for biomedical suture application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy.
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes CNR ⁻IPCF, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 37, 98158 Messina, Italy.
| | - Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Alberto Giamporcaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Salvatore De Caro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Tranquillo
- Department of Engineering, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, VialeAbramo Lincoln 5, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Michelina Catauro
- Department of Engineering, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, VialeAbramo Lincoln 5, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
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13
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Visco A, Scolaro C, Iannazzo D, Di Marco G. Comparison of physical-mechanical features of polyethylene based polymers employed as sealants in solar cells. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/1023666x.2018.1551267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, Messina, Italy
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes CNR – IPCF, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Iannazzo
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, Messina, Italy
| | - Gaetano Di Marco
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes CNR – IPCF, Messina, Italy
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Visco A, Yousef S, Scolaro C, Espro C, Cristani M. Tribological Behavior of Nanocomposites Based on UHMWPE Aged in Simulated Synovial Fluid. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:E1291. [PMID: 30961216 PMCID: PMC6401863 DOI: 10.3390/polym10111291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultra High molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suffers wear degradation in total joint replacements and it needs to be improved. Thus, we enhanced wear resistance of UHMWPE with carbon nanofiller and paraffin oil and studied its tribological behavior in Simulated Synovial Fluid (SSF) for 60 days at 37 °C to reproduce the conditions of a real joint. Ageing in biological fluid accelerates the wear action but nanocomposite exhibited a higher wear resistance compared to UHMWPE because of its higher structural homogeneity. Carbon nanofiller closes the porosity of UHMWPE hindering SSF to penetrate inside. Wear resistance of the nanocomposite with 1.0 wt.% of CNF improved of 65% (before ageing) and of 70% (after 60 days in SSF) with respect to pure UHMWPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy.
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes CNR-IPCF, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 37, 98158 Messina, Italy.
| | - Samy Yousef
- Department of Production Engineering and Printing Technology, Akhbar Elyom Academy 6th of October, Giza 12511, Egypt.
- Department of Production Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Kaunas University of Technology, 51424 Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Claudia Espro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Mariateresa Cristani
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, V. Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
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Visco A, Scolaro C, Quattrocchi A, Montanini R. Response to fatigue stress of biomedical grade polyethylene joints welded by a diode laser. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2018; 86:390-396. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Visco A, Scolaro C. White/light white polyethylene joints obtained by diode laser welding process. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/1023666x.2018.1455025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes CNR – IPCF, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Visco A, Scolaro C, Terracciano T, Montanini R, Quattrocchi A, Torrisi L, Restuccia N. Static and dynamic characterization of biomedical polyethylene laser welding using biocompatible nano-particles. EPJ Web of Conferences 2018. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/201816705009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this research, polymeric joints of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) sheets were realized and welded by a diode laser operating at 970 nm wavelength. One of the polymer sheet was doped, at different concentrations, with nano filler (carbon, titanium and silver nano-particles) in order to enhance the absorption coefficient at the laser wavelength. Laser operated in repetition rate with a maximum pulse energy 100 mJ, for times of the order of 1-60 s transporting the light trough a fiber with 300 μm diameter. The laser light has been transmitted by the transparent first polymer and absorbed on the face of the second doped polymer. At the interface of the two polymer foils, 0.5 mm thickness each, the released energy induces melting, assisted by pressure, producing a fast and resistant welding. Single lap and double lap geometries have been performed and studied by means of mechanical static (shear stress) and dynamical analysis. Effect of the different particles nature on the mechanical features of the joints has been evaluated. Morphological observation of the jointed areas are presented and discussed. Joints could be useful in biomedical field for their special features.
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Scolaro C, Visco A, Torrisi L, Restuccia N, Pedullà E. Modification induced by laser irradiation on physical features of plastics materials filled with nanoparticles. EPJ Web of Conferences 2018. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/201816705008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Thermal Laser Welding (TLW) process involves localized heating at the interface of two pieces of plastic that will be joined. Polymeric materials of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), both pure and containing nanostructures at different concentrations (titanium and silver nanoparticles), were prepared as thin foils in order to produce an interface between a substrate transparent to the infrared laser wavelength and an highly absorbent substrate, in order to be welded by the laser irradiation. The used diode laser operates at 970 nm wavelength, in continuum, with a maximum energy of 100 mJ, for times of the order of 1 -60 s, with a spot of 300 μm of diameter. The properties of the polymers and of nanocomposite sheets, before and after the laser welding process, were measured in terms of optical characteristics, wetting ability, surface roughness and surface morphology.
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Torrisi L, Scolaro C. Treatment techniques on biocompatible titanium to modify the surface wetting properties. Biomed Mater Eng 2017; 28:347-359. [PMID: 28869433 DOI: 10.3233/bme-171687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The physical properties of biocompatible titanium surfaces were modified using different techniques of surface treatment. Particularly the measurements of roughness and wetting ability were controlled using six different techniques: polishing, sandblasting, acid attack, laser ablation, ion implantation and nanoparticle deposition. The titanium surface wetting can be modified drastically depending on the used treatment to enhance the hydrophilic or the hydrophobic behaviour of the metallic biocompatible surface. The study demonstrates that a linear relation between roughness and contact angle occurs. Possible applications to permanent or removable prosthesis titanium based are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Torrisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche - MIFT, V. le F.S. D'Alcontres 31, 98166 S. Agata, Messina, Italy
| | - C Scolaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche - MIFT, V. le F.S. D'Alcontres 31, 98166 S. Agata, Messina, Italy
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Torrisi L, Scolaro C, Restuccia N. Wetting ability of biological liquids in presence of metallic nanoparticles. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2017; 28:63. [PMID: 28251471 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-017-5871-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The wetting ability of water and of some biological liquids was measured on different biocompatible surfaces with and without different colloidal metals. Insoluble nanoparticles disperse in biological tissues enhance some properties, such as the interface adhesion between two surfaces, the X-ray contrast of medical images and the absorbed dose during radiotherapy treatments. The introduction of nanoparticles in the liquids generally improves the wetting ability and changes other properties of the solution, due to the different distribution of the adhesion forces, to the nature, morphology and concentration of the added nanoparticles. An investigation on the contact angle of the liquid drops, physiological liquids, including the human blood, placed on different substrates (polymers, ceramics and metals) with and without the use of metallic nanoparticles is presented, evaluated and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Torrisi
- Dottorato di Ricerca in Fisica, Università di Messina, V.le F.S. D'Alcontres 31, S. Agata (ME), 98166, Italy.
| | - C Scolaro
- Dottorato di Ricerca in Fisica, Università di Messina, V.le F.S. D'Alcontres 31, S. Agata (ME), 98166, Italy
| | - N Restuccia
- Dottorato di Ricerca in Fisica, Università di Messina, V.le F.S. D'Alcontres 31, S. Agata (ME), 98166, Italy
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Caridi F, Picciotto A, Vanzetti L, Iacob E, Scolaro C. Surface wet-ability modification of thin PECVD silicon nitride layers by 40 keV argon ion treatments. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Visco AM, Galtieri G, Torrisi L, Scolaro C. Properties of Single- and Double-Lap Polymeric Joints Welded by a Diode Laser. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/1023666x.2015.1035955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Abstract
Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, we studied the effect of bromocriptine (15 mg daily) in 20 men with chronic nonfluent aphasia. The study was conducted over a 28-week period in two phases. In phase I, the patients received either bromocriptine or placebo; in phase II the treatments were crossed over. We evaluated each patient's language and nonverbal cognitive skills at the beginning and end of each phase and 6 weeks after completion of phase II. When compared with placebo treatment, bromocriptine did not significantly improve the patient's speech fluency, language content, overall degree of aphasia severity, or nonverbal cognitive abilities. Based on these results, bromocriptine is not recommended as monotherapy for the treatment of chronic nonfluent aphasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Gupta
- Neurology Service, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL 60141, USA
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