Surface Modification Research Articles

Implant surface modifications and their impact on osseointegration and peri-implant diseases through epigenetic changes: A scoping review.

Dental implant surfaces and their unique properties can interact with the surrounding oral tissues through epigenetic cues. The present scoping review provides current perspectives on surface modifications of dental implants, their impact on the osseointegration process, and the interaction between implant surface properties and epigenetics, also in peri-implant diseases. Findings of this review demonstrate the impact of innovative surface treatments on the epigenetic mechanisms of cells, showing promising results in the early stages of osseointegration. Dental implant surfaces with properties of hydrophilicity, nanotexturization, multifunctional coatings, and incorporated drug-release systems have demonstrated favorable outcomes for early bone adhesion, increased antibacterial features, and improved osseointegration. The interaction between modified surface morphologies, different chemical surface energies, and/or release of molecules within the oral tissues has been shown to influence epigenetic mechanisms of the surrounding tissues caused by a physical-chemical interaction. Epigenetic changes around dental implants in the state of health and disease are different. In conclusion, emerging approaches in surface modifications for dental implants functionalized with epigenetics have great potential with a significant impact on modulating bone healing during osseointegration.

Unraveling the Ties: Type 2 Diabetes and Parkinson's Disease - A Nano-Based Targeted Drug Delivery Approach.

The link between Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and Parkinson's Disease (PD) dates back to the early 1960s, and ongoing research is exploring this association. PD is linked to dysregulation of dopaminergic pathways, neuroinflammation, decreased PPAR-γ coactivator 1-α, increased phosphoprotein enriched in diabetes, and accelerated α-Syn amyloid fibril production caused by T2DM. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the T2DM-PD association and risk factors for PD in T2DM individuals. The study reviews existing literature using reputable sources like Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, revealing a significant association between T2DM and worsened PD symptoms. Genetic profiles of T2DM-PD individuals show similarities, and potential risk factors include insulin-resistance and dysbiosis of the gut-brain microbiome. Anti-diabetic drugs exhibit neuroprotective effects in PD, and nanoscale delivery systems like exosomes, micelles, and liposomes show promise in enhancing drug efficacy by crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). Brain targeting for PD uses exosomes, micelles, liposomes, dendrimers, solid lipid nanoparticles, nano-sized polymers, and niosomes to improve medication and gene therapy efficacy. Surface modification of nanocarriers with bioactive compounds (such as angiopep, lactoferrin, and OX26) enhances α-Syn conjugation and BBB permeability. Natural exosomes, though limited, hold potential for investigating DM-PD pathways in clinical research. The study delves into the underlying mechanisms of T2DM and PD and explores current therapeutic approaches in the field of nano-based targeted drug delivery. Emphasis is placed on resolved and ongoing issues in understanding and managing both conditions.

Low-loss α-tantalum coplanar waveguide resonators on silicon wafers: fabrication, characterization and surface modification

Low-loss α-tantalum coplanar waveguide resonators on silicon wafers: fabrication, characterization and surface modification

Covalent surface grafting of Ti3C2Tx flakes for enhancement of symmetric supercapacitor performance

In this work the covalent surface modification of MXene flakes (Ti3C2Tx) was proposed for the increasing of the performance of subsequently created symmetric supercapacitor. Covalent surface modification was performed with utilization of diazonium salts (hydrophobic or hydrophilic) and plasmon-assisted photochemistry. Applied procedure allows to block the reactive (weak and/or catalytically active) sites on flakes surface and increase the flakes interplanar spacing, both enhancing the functionality of an MXene-based supercapacitor. Especially pronounced positive effect gives the surface modification with hydrophilic chemical moieties. In particular, we observed increase of supercapacitance from 197 to 284 F g−1 in acidic and from 86 to 142 F g−1 in alkaline conditions for flakes grafted with –C6H4–COOH chemical moieties at scan rate 20 mV/s. The flakes grafted with hydrophobic chemical moieties allow to achieve almost constant value of supercapacitance for different speed of charge discharge. In addition, the surface grafting prevents the supercapacitor degradation and decelerates the spontaneous discharge in open circuit mode. These results suggest strategy for further improvement of MXene-based supercapacitors as energy storage device.

Plasma in Liquids induced modification of Cu surfaces

Plasma in Liquids induced modification of Cu surfaces

Assessment of the Effect of Surface Modification of Metal Oxides on Silver Nanoparticles: Optical Properties and Potential Toxicity.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered significant interest due to their distinctive properties and potential applications. Traditional fabrication methods for nanoparticles often involve high-energy physical conditions and the use of toxic solvents. Various green synthesis approaches have been developed to circumvent these issues and produce environmentally benign nanoparticles. Our study focuses on the green synthesis of AgNPs using L-ascorbic acid and explores the modification of their properties to enhance antibacterial and anticancer effects. This is achieved by coating the nanoparticles with Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Silica oxide (SiO2), which alters their optical properties in the visible spectrum. The synthesized formulations-AgNPs, zinc oxide-silver nanoparticles (Ag@ZnO), and silica oxide-silver nanoparticles (Ag@SiO2) core/shell nanoparticles-were characterized using a suite of physicochemical techniques, including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential measurement, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Refractive Index Measurements, and Optical Anisotropy Assessment. TEM imaging revealed particle sizes of 11 nm for AgNPs, 8 nm for Ag@ZnO, and 400 nm for Ag@SiO2. The Zeta potential values for Ag@ZnO and Ag@SiO2 were measured at -17.0 ± 5 mV and -65.0 ± 8 mV, respectively. UV-Vis absorption spectra were recorded for all formulations in the 320 nm to 600 nm wavelength range. The refractive index of AgNPs at 404.7 nm was 1.34572, with slight shifts observed for Ag@ZnO and Ag@SiO2 to 1.34326 and 1.37378, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the nanocomposites against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) was assessed using the MTT assay. The results indicated that AgNPs and Ag@ZnO exhibited potent therapeutic effects, with IC50 values of 494.00 µg/mL and 430.00 µg/mL, respectively, compared to 4247.20 µg/mL for Ag@SiO2. Additionally, the antibacterial efficacy of AgNPs was significantly enhanced under visible light irradiation. Ag@ZnO demonstrated substantial antibacterial activity both with and without light exposure, while the Ag@SiO2 nanocomposites significantly reduced the inherent antibacterial activity of silver. Conversely, the Ag@ZnO nanocomposites displayed pronounced antibacterial and anticancer activities. The findings suggest that silver-based nanocomposites, particularly Ag@ZnO, could be practical tools in water treatment and the pharmaceutical industry due to their enhanced therapeutic properties.

Synergistic Engineering of Energy Band Alignment and Interfacial Electric Field Distribution over Bi-bismuth-Based Hetero-nanofibers for Boosting Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis and Antibiotic Removal.

Synergistic engineering of energy band alignment and interfacial electric field distribution is essential for photocatalyst design but is still challenging because of the limitation on refined regulation in the nanoscale. This study addresses the issue by employing surface modification and thermal-induced phase transformation in Bi2MoO6/BixOyIz hetero-nanofiber frameworks. The energy band alignment switches from a type-II interface to a Z-scheme contact with stronger redox potentials and inhibited electron traps, and the optimized built-in electric field distribution could be reached based on experimental and theoretical investigations. The engineered hetero-nanofibers exhibit outstanding visible-light-driven photocatalytic nitrogen reduction activity (605 μmol/g/h) and tetracycline hydrochloride removal rate (81.5% within 30 min), ranking them among the top-performing bismuth series materials. Furthermore, the photocatalysts show promise in activating advanced oxidants for efficient organic pollutant degradation. Moreover, the Bi2MoO6/Bi5O7I hetero-nanofibers possess good recycling stability owing to their three-dimensional network structure. This research offers valuable insights into heterojunction design for environmental remediation and industrial applications.

Nickel–Nitrogen–Carbon (Ni–N–C) Electrocatalysts Toward CO2 electroreduction to CO: Advances, Optimizations, Challenges, and Prospects

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 into high energy‐density fuels and value‐added chemicals under mild conditions can promote the sustainable cycle of carbon and decrease current energy and environmental problems. Constructing electrocatalyst with high activity, selectivity, stability, and low cost is really matter to realize industrial application of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (ECR). Metal–nitrogen–carbon (M–N–C), especially Ni–N–C, display excellent performance, such as nearly 100% CO selectivity, high current density, outstanding tolerance, etc., which is considered to possess broad application prospects. Based on the current research status, starting from the mechanism of ECR and the existence form of Ni active species, the latest research progress of Ni–N–C electrocatalysts in CO2 electroreduction is systematically summarized. An overview is emphatically interpreted on the regulatory strategies for activity optimization over Ni–N–C, including N coordination modulation, vacancy defects construction, morphology design, surface modification, heteroatom activation, and bimetallic cooperation. Finally, some urgent problems and future prospects on designing Ni–N–C catalysts for ECR are discussed. This review aims to provide the guidance for the design and development of Ni–N–C catalysts with practical application.

MBenes for Energy Conversion: Advances, Bottlenecks, and Prospects.

The advent of two-dimensional layered materials has bolstered the development of catalytic endeavors for energy conversion and storage. MXenes (transition metal carbides/nitrides) have already consolidated their candidature in the past decade due to their enhanced compositional and structural tunabilities through surface modifications. Perseverant research in engineering MXene based materials has led to the inception of MBenes (transition metal borides) as promising catalytic systems for energy-driven operations. Physicochemical superiorities of MBenes such as escalated conductivity and hydrophilicity, unique surface and geometrical domains, and higher stability and modulus of elasticity provide the reaction-friendly milieu to exploit these materials. Nevertheless, the research on MBenes is embryonic and requires the thorough realization of their scientific significance. Herein, we aim to discuss the advancements, challenges, and outlooks of MBenes with respect to their energy conversion HER, CO2RR, and NRR applications.

Nanoparticles for the treatment of spinal cord injury

Abstract Spinal cord injuries lead to significant loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions, presenting major challenges in neural regeneration. Achieving effective therapeutic concentrations at injury sites has been a slow process, partly due to the difficulty of delivering drugs effectively. Nanoparticles, with their targeted delivery capabilities, biocompatibility, and enhanced bioavailability over conventional drugs, are garnering attention for spinal cord injury treatment. This review explores the current mechanisms and shortcomings of existing treatments, highlighting the benefits and progress of nanoparticle-based approaches. We detail nanoparticle delivery methods for spinal cord injury, including local and intravenous injections, oral delivery, and biomaterial-assisted implantation, alongside strategies such as drug loading and surface modification. The discussion extends to how nanoparticles aid in reducing oxidative stress, dampening inflammation, fostering neural regeneration, and promoting angiogenesis. We summarize the use of various types of nanoparticles for treating spinal cord injuries, including metallic, polymeric, protein-based, inorganic non-metallic, and lipid nanoparticles. We also discuss the challenges faced, such as biosafety, effectiveness in humans, precise dosage control, standardization of production and characterization, immune responses, and targeted delivery in vivo. Additionally, we explore future directions, such as improving biosafety, standardizing manufacturing and characterization processes, and advancing human trials. Nanoparticles have shown considerable progress in targeted delivery and enhancing treatment efficacy for spinal cord injuries, presenting significant potential for clinical use and drug development.

Scalable Precise Nanofilm Coating and Gradient Al Doping Enable Stable Battery Cycling of LiCoO2 at 4.7 V

The quest for smart electronics with higher energy densities has intensified the development of high‐voltage LiCoO2 (LCO). Despite their potential, LCO materials operating at 4.7 V faces critical challenges, including interface degradation and structural collapse. Herein, we propose a collective surface architecture through precise nanofilm coating and doping that combines an ultra‐thin LiAlO2 coating layer and gradient doping of Al. This architecture not only mitigates side reactions, but also improves the Li+ migration kinetics on the LCO surface. Meanwhile, gradient doping of Al inhibited the severe lattice distortion caused by the irreversible phase transition of O3‐H1‐3‐O1, thereby enhanced the electrochemical stability of LCO during 4.7 V cycling. DFT calculations further revealed that our approach significantly boosts the electronic conductivity. As a result, the modified LCO exhibited an outstanding reversible capacity of 230 mAh g‐1 at 4.7 V, which is approximately 28% higher than the conventional capacity at 4.5 V. To demonstrate their practical application, our cathode structure shows improved stability in full pouch cell configuration under high operating voltage. LCO exhibited an excellent cycling stability, retaining 82.33% after 1000 cycles at 4.5 V. This multifunctional surface modification strategy offers a viable pathway for the practical application of LCO materials.

Synthesis, modifications, and applications of iron-based nanoparticles.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are appealing materials as assistant to resolve environmental pollution issues and as recyclable catalysts for the oxidative degradation of resistant contaminants. Moreover, they can significantly influence the advancement of medical applications for imaging, diagnostics, medication administration, and biosensing. On the other hand, due to unique features, excellent biocompatibility, high curie temperatures and low cytotoxicity of the Iron-based nanoparticles, they have received increasing attention in recent years. Using an external magnetic field, in which the ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (FMNPs) in the reaction mixtures can be easily removed, make them more efficient approach than the conventional method for separating the catalyst particles by centrifugation or filtration. Ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (FMNPs) provide various advantages in food processing, environmental issues, pharmaceutical industry, sample preparation, wastewater management, water purification, illness therapy, identification of disease, tissue engineering, and biosensor creation for healthcare monitoring. Modification of FMNPs with the proper functional groups and surface modification techniques play a significant role in boosting their capability. Due to flexibility of FMNPs in functionalization and synthesis, it is possible to make customized FMNPs that can be utilized in variety of applications. This review focuses on synthesis, modifications, and applications of Iron-based nanoparticles.

Scalable Precise Nanofilm Coating and Gradient Al Doping Enable Stable Battery Cycling of LiCoO2 at 4.7 V.

The quest for smart electronics with higher energy densities has intensified the development of high-voltage LiCoO2 (LCO). Despite their potential, LCO materials operating at 4.7 V faces critical challenges, including interface degradation and structural collapse. Herein, we propose a collective surface architecture through precise nanofilm coating and doping that combines an ultra-thin LiAlO2 coating layer and gradient doping of Al. This architecture not only mitigates side reactions, but also improves the Li+ migration kinetics on the LCO surface. Meanwhile, gradient doping of Al inhibited the severe lattice distortion caused by the irreversible phase transition of O3-H1-3-O1, thereby enhanced the electrochemical stability of LCO during 4.7 V cycling. DFT calculations further revealed that our approach significantly boosts the electronic conductivity. As a result, the modified LCO exhibited an outstanding reversible capacity of 230 mAh g-1 at 4.7 V, which is approximately 28% higher than the conventional capacity at 4.5 V. To demonstrate their practical application, our cathode structure shows improved stability in full pouch cell configuration under high operating voltage. LCO exhibited an excellent cycling stability, retaining 82.33% after 1000 cycles at 4.5 V. This multifunctional surface modification strategy offers a viable pathway for the practical application of LCO materials.

Application of nanoparticles as novel adsorbents in blood purification strategies.

Blood purification therapy for patients overloaded with metabolic toxins or drugs still needs improvement. Blood purification therapies, such as in hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis can profit from a combined application with nanoparticles. In this review, the published literature is analyzed with respect to nanomaterials that have been customized and functionalized as nano-adsorbents during blood purification therapy. Liposomes possess a distinct combined structure composed of a hydrophobic lipid bilayer and a hydrophilic core. The liposomes which have enzymes in their aqueous core or obtain specific surface modifications of the lipid bilayer can offer appreciated advantages. Preclinical and clinical experiments with such modified liposomes show that they are highly efficient and generally safe. They may serve as indirect and direct adsorption materials both in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatment for patients with renal or hepatic failure. Apart from dialysis, nanoparticles made of specially designed metal and activated carbon have also been utilized to enhance the removal of solutes during hemoadsorption. Results are a superior adsorption capacity and a good hemocompatibility shown during treatment of patients with toxication or end-stage renal disease. In summary, nanomaterials are promising tools for improving the treatment efficacy of organ failure or toxication. KEY MESSAGES The pH-transmembrane liposomes and enzyme-loaded liposomes are two representatives of liposomes with modified aqueous inner core which have been put into practice in dialysis. Unmodified or physiochemically modified liposomal bilayers are ideal binders for lipophilic protein-bound uremic toxins or cholestatic solutes, thus liposome-supported dialysis could become the next-generation hemodialysis treatment of artificial liver support system. Novel nano-based sorbents featuring large surface area, high adsorption capacity and decent biocompatibility have shown promise in treatment of uremia, hyperbilirubinemia, intoxication, and sepsis. A major challenge of production lies in avoiding changes in physical and chemical properties induced by manufacturing and sterilizing procedures.

Phospholipid-Anchored Ligand Conjugation on Extracellular Vesicles for Enhanced Cancer Targeting.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are recognized as potential candidates for next-generation drug delivery systems. However, the inherent cancer-targeting efficiency is unsatisfactory, necessitating surface modification to attach cell-binding ligands. By utilizing phospholipase D from Streptomyces in combination with maleimide-containing primary alcohol, the authors successfully anchored ligands onto milk-derived EVs (mEVs), overcoming the issues of ligand leakage or functional alteration seen in traditional methods. Quantitative nano-flow cytometry demonstrated that over 90% of mEVs are effectively modified with hundreds to thousands of ligands. The resulting mEV formulations exhibited remarkable long-term stability in conjugation proportion, ligand number, size distribution, and particle concentration, even after months of storage. It is further shown that conjugating transferrin onto mEVs significantly enhanced cellular uptake and induced pronounced cytotoxic effects when loaded with paclitaxel. Overall, this study presents a highly efficient, stable, cost-effective, and scalable ligand conjugation approach, offering a promising strategy for targeted drug delivery of EVs.

Recycling of waste coffee grounds as a photothermal material modified with ZnCl2 for water purification

The aim of this study was to develop a photothermal material modified with carbonization and ZnCl2 impregnation and supported by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for water purification using the waste coffee grounds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization of the prepared material revealed that a significant surface modification was achieved due to the carbonization and ZnCl2 impregnation. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) pattern of the samples showed two broad peaks at 18.4° and 22.2°, this is due to the crystal planes of β-crystal phase structure, which indicates the existence of strong hydrogen bonds between the micro-structures and therefore less suspectable to chemical attack. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) result suggests a slight mass reduction between the temperature range of 65–75 °C implying the thermal stability of the prepared material. The produced modified material had a photothermal conversion efficiency of 74% and could produce vapor at a rate of 1.12 kg/m2h under 980 W/m2 irradiation at 1 sun. A significant reduction in Cu2+ ion concentration (83%), turbidity (91%), total dissolved solids (TDS) (61%), microbial load (95.6%), and total hardness (41.2%) were achieved. Therefore, waste coffee grounds can be considered as a future eco-friendly and low-cost candidate for water purification.

Preparation of high-concentration coal-water slurry based on the bearing model method of spherical particles

ABSTRACT Coal-water slurry (CWS), a mixture of pulverized coal, water, and additives, is a clean liquid coal-based fuel for gasification. Superhydrophobic surface modification using a secondary particle-second liquid system is an effective CWS preparation method. In this study, the effect of the sphericity of the secondary particles on the rheological properties of CWS samples was investigated. Spherical secondary particles were found to roll in the film layer of the second liquid, resulting in a lower apparent viscosity of the CWS. The bearing model refers to the spherical secondary particle on the surface of the coal particle, similar to the balls in a bearing, which can transform sliding friction into rolling friction. The bearing model can effectively reduce frictional resistance. By modifying the coal particles with the suspension of secondary particles in the second liquid, a 73% CWS sample with good fluidity was prepared. The apparent viscosity of the 73% CWS prepared without any modification of the coal particles was 13,329.2 mPa·s, and the flow grade was C. The apparent viscosity of the 73% CWS prepared using coal particles modified with the spherical glass bead suspension was 2102.8 mPa·s, and its flow grade was A.

Cation-polymerized artificial SEI layer modified Li metal applied in soft-matter polymer electrolyte.

Li metal batteries with polymer electrolyte are of great interest for next-generation batteries for high safety and high energy density. However, uneven deposition on the lithium metal surface can greatly affect battery life. Therefore, surface modification on the Li metal become necessary to achieve good performance. Herein, an artificial solid electrolyte interface (SEI) modified lithium metal anode is prepared using cation-polymerization process, as triggered by PF5 generated from CsPF6. As a result, the polarization voltage of Li||Li symmetric battery assembled with artificial SEI-modified Li metal anode was stable with a small over-potential of 25 mV after 3000 h at current density of 1.5 mA cm-2. Electrochemical performance of Li||NCM 622 (LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2) full cell with soft-matter polymer electrolyte is significantly improved than bare Li-metal, the capacity retention is 75% after 120 cycles with N/P=3:1 at a cut-off voltage of 4.3 V. Our work has shed lights on the commercialization of Li metal battery with polymer electrolyte.

Energy, exergy and sustainability analysis of a photovoltaic-thermal solar system with nano-enhancement and thermal energy storage integration

As a result of using various energy sources such as fossil fuels, harmful gases emerge and endanger the world's future. The search for different energy sources is to diminish the dangers that may arise in the future. Renewable energy sources are also the most basic for a sustainable future. This study aims to increase the performance of photovoltaic thermal collectors (PVT), which are used to obtain thermal energy from solar energy and produce electrical energy. The novelties of this experimental work are the analysis of a combination of a solar air heater and thermal energy storage via a phase change material technology and surface modifications on absorber plates, including a nanotechnological amendment. Furthermore, the adverse impacts on the environment of the manufactured systems were taken into account with the help of such parameters as waste exergy ratio and sustainability index. Initially, PVT with a V-grooved absorber surface (V-PVT) was built. In the second stage, nano-enhanced V-grooved PVT (NE/V-PVT) was produced, in which the absorber plate was coated by graphene nanoparticles. Then, a thermal energy storage entity was mounted onto the system, and the V-grooved PVT with the thermal energy storage entity (TS/V-PVT) was developed. 40 W absorber fans were used to provide airflow in these manufactured collectors. In addition, Styrofoam insulation material was used for the collector case, and a low-cost system was designed. Simultaneous experiments for each PVT were carried out. The waste exergy ratio (WER) and the sustainability index (SI) were also considered. Based on the experimental results, thermal efficiency was calculated as 40.60%, 54.01%, and 53.90% for V-PVT, NE/V-PVT, and TS/V-PVT, respectively. Furthermore, the coefficient of performance (COP) values were obtained as 2.67 for V-PVT, 4.28 for NE/V-PVT, and 3.49 for TS/V-PVT. The findings illustrated that nano-coating and V-grooved modifications on solar collectors substantially increased the system performance.

The use of supramolecular systems in biomedical applications for antimicrobial properties, biocompatibility, and drug delivery.

Supramolecular chemistry is versatile for developing stimuli-responsive, dynamic and multifunctional structures. In the context of biomedical engineering applications, supramolecular assemblies are particularly useful as coatings for they can closely mimic the natural structure and organisation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), they can also fabricate other complex systems like drug delivery systems and bioinks. In the current context of growing medical device-associated complications and the developments in the controlled drug delivery and regenerative medicine fields,supramolecular assemblies are becoming an indispensable part of the biomedical engineering arsenal. This review covers the different supramolecular assemblies in different biomedical applications with a specific focus on antimicrobial coatings, coatings that enhance biocompatibility, surface modifications on implantable medical devices, systems that promote therapeutic efficiency in cancer therapy, and the development in bioinks. The introduced supramolecularsystems include multilayer coating by polyelectrolytes, polymers incorporated with nanoparticles, coating simulation of ECM, and drug delivery systems. A perspective on the application of supramolecular systems is also included.