ICMCTF 2026 Session MD-ThP: Surface Engineering of Biomaterials, Devices and Regenerative Materials: Health Food, and Agriculture Applications Poster Session

Nanofibers have garnered considerable attention in recent years due to their wide-ranging applicability in various fields, including tissue engineering, biotechnology, medicine, sensing, and bioremediation. Among the different fabrication methods for composite membranes, electrospinning stands out for its ability to utilize a wide range of polymers and copolymers. Several configurations of the electrospinning process exist; among them, co-electrospinning is noteworthy, as it allows the simultaneous spinning of two independent polymer solutions while preserving their individual properties.

Polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin are two polymers widely studied for biomedical applications due to their good biocompatibility and biodegradability. In parallel, nanoparticles of various metal oxides, such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium oxide (MgO), have been investigated for their antibacterial and osteoinductive properties, respectively.

For this reason, the present work reports the porous microfibrous structure of PCL/gelatin nanocomposite membranes obtained via electrospinning by combining fibers containing ZnO nanoparticles and fibers containing MgO nanoparticles. These membranes were characterized morphologically and compositionally using SEM, FTIR, TGA, EDS, DSC, and ICP analyses. Finally, biological assays were performed to evaluate their antibacterial efficacy and their potential to promote an osteoinductive environment, assessing their possible use as an adjuvant in the treatment of open fractures.

Calcium phosphate compounds are a sustainable material with applications in biomedicine and environmental remediation. The influence of dopants on the morphology of one-dimensional (1D) structures prepared by the electrospinning technique with biogenic calcium as a starting material remains understudied. This work presents a novel method for synthesising calcium phosphate nanowires doped with Sn and Nb using Galatea paradoxa clamshells as a calcium source. The process integrates electrospinning and sol-gel techniques to achieve 1D nano calcium pyrophosphate and aims to elucidate the influence of temperature on the process. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to characterise the nanostructures. Calcination at 600 ºC and 700 ºC reveals the formation of wire-like structures at the nanoscale with diameters ranging from 68 – 403 nm. The Sn-doped wires were observed to be more thermally stable at higher temperatures (700 ºC ) whilst having narrower wire diameters as compared to the Nb-doped wires. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of Sn and Nb, corroborating the presence of their oxide and aligning with the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) diffraction patterns obtained in TEM. These findings indicate the successful formation of 1D nanostructures of calcium phosphate nanowire doped with Sn and Nb. The observed structure and morphology of the prepared nanostructure exhibit properties suitable for application in bone regeneration and biomedicine, adsorption of harmful heavy metals, and as a sustainable photocatalyst.

Improving the mechanical compatibility and corrosion resistance of metallic implants is essential for long-term clinical success. Titanium and its alloys are widely used for dental and orthopedic devices, yet surface reactivity and elastic modulus mismatch with bone can limit their performance. Surface modification by magnetron sputtering offers an effective strategy to tailor surface properties at the nanoscale while preserving bulk integrity.The β-phase Ti alloys show a significant reduction of the elastic modulus compared with bulk titanium, improving biomechanical compatibility and mitigating stress-shielding effects.

Building upon our previous studies on flat titanium substrates, the present work represents a significant step forward by applying high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) coatings to real 3D titanium implant geometries. This transition allows us to assess the feasibility of conformal deposition on complex surfaces while maintaining the advantageous features of HiPIMS. Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta (wt. %) β-type coatings were deposited onto dental implants fabricated by Laser Bed Fusion (LBF), producing dense, adherent layers with controlled nanoroughness and uniform coverage, even within threaded regions.

Microstructural and chemical analyses (SEM, XRD, XPS) confirmed homogeneous β-phase formation and the presence of a protective TiO₂ surface layer. Nanoindentation revealed a reduction in elastic modulus of up to 30% compared with uncoated titanium, mitigating stress-shielding effects. Electrochemical tests in simulated physiological media demonstrated enhanced corrosion resistance and surface stability.

These results highlight the versatility of HiPIMS as a scalable tool for the conformal coating of complex 3D implants, enabling the development of next-generation dental and orthopedic biomaterials with optimized mechanical and corrosion performance.

Electrodeposited copper (Cu) coatings on titanium alloys are promising candidates for multifunctional biomaterials combining antibacterial and conductive properties. This study evaluates the electrochemical performance and corrosion resistance of Cu coatings applied to commercial Ti6Al4V. Open-circuit potential (OCP), linear polarization resistance (Rp), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed in Hank’s solution at 37 °C, with pH measurements during the tests. Results showed that Cu deposition modifies the passive behavior of Ti6Al4V, shifting the corrosion potential toward more active values while maintaining acceptable polarization resistance. Among the tested conditions, deposition exhibited the lowest corrosion rate compared to the base material. Equivalent circuit modeling of EIS data revealed two time constants associated with the outer Cu layer and the Ti oxide interface, evidencing a dual protective mechanism. The combined analysis indicates that optimized deposition time can balance ion-release kinetics and surface passivation, contributing to long-term functional stability. These insights lay the groundwork for predictive corrosion models and the rational design of antibacterial, corrosion-resistant coatings for next-generation biomedical implants.

Introduction: Pathogenic bacteria and viruses could be transmitted by aerosols formed from saliva droplets. These bioaerosols are becoming the main airborne transmission source for respiratory microorganisms. It has been reported that health professionals are highly exposed to bioaerosols generated during medical or dental procedures since rotary instruments are used, which produce pathogenic bioaerosols. The development of nanomaterials with antimicrobial activity to cover personal protective equipment (PPE), such as facemasks, could be an option to avoid the transmission of these pathogens.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antiviral capacities of titanium oxide nanocoating (TiO_x) deposited on polypropylene (PP) fabrics used to produce medical and dental protective equipment.

Methods: TiOx nanocoating was deposited on PP fabric by magnetron sputtering. They were characterized using optical microscopy, XPS, WCA, optical profilometry, and ICP-MS. For antimicrobial evaluation, pathogenic bacteria and surrogates virus (RNA and DNA bacteriophages) were used. Two methodologies were used: short (2 min) and long (24 h) term interaction of nanocoatings with bacterial and viral aerosols.

Results: ZnO nanocoating was homogeneously deposited on the PP. The antimicrobial results showed a reduction of the bacteria between 18-95 %, depending of the bacterial strain tested. With respect to viral assays with RNA bacteriophages, a total reduction of the viral replication was achieved after 24 h. However, the DNA phage was not completely inactivated.

Conclusions: TiO_x nanocoating showed antimicrobial potential against bacteria and surrogate viruses. This nanocoating has the potential to be used to cover medical PPE, to reduce and prevent the transmission of pathogens in medical and dental environments.

Keywords: Nanocoating, titanium oxide, antibacterial.

Acknowledgments: UNAM-PAPIIT project# IN207824.

Powder-mixed EDM is widely implemented to improve the material removal rate and surface quality of metallic substrates by the addition of selective powders like graphene and HAP owing to their better electrical conductivity and biocompatibility nature respectively. This study highlights powder-mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM) of biomaterials such as commercially pure titanium and Nitinol using graphene and hydroxyapatite (HAP) powders which is used as additives in the EDM oil (dielectric medium) i n conventional EDM process. Taguchi L9 experiments were conducted for conventional EDM and Gr/HAP powder-mixed EDM processes with input parameters like pulse on (microsecs), pulse off, peak current (amp) and powder concentration (g/L).Comparative analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of powder addition on the microstructure, adhesion, and performance of the modified surfaces. The results showed that powder-mixed EDM significantly improved MRR and surface quality of coated samples compared to conventional EDM. Multi-objective optimization of MRR, SR and TWR for both the biomaterials were done using Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) method. Additionally, corrosion tests were performed to evaluate protection efficiency of coated samples by using Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. The results depicted higher corrosion resistance property of combined graphene and HAP powders conducted under simulated body fluid conditions. These findings suggest that integrating powder-mixed EDM with biocompatible nanomaterials presents a promising approach for biomedical applications.

Keywords: Powder-mixed EDM, Graphene and HAP powder, corrosion-resistance, Taguchi L9 approach, ANOVA, GRA

Magnesium (Mg) alloys have been applied to orthopedics as its elastic modulus resembles bone, and its stress-strain behavior resembles ductile metals. Mg alloys exhibit high corrosion rates including high degradation and H₂ release. Existing coatings, such as titanium, sol-gel, and plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) have improved corrosion properties of Mg alloys. This study evaluates corrosion in bovine calf serum (BCS), a fluid that simulates lubricating human synovial joints. The goal of this study was to test the corrosion behavior of magnesium alloys with sol-gel and PEO coatings in BCS, and the hypothesis was that under BCS, the different coatings will increase the corrosion resistance of the Mg alloy. The experiments were conducted under a three-electrode setup, with the SCE reference electrode, graphite counter electrode, and Mg working electrode. Microstructures were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and profilometry to confirm corrosion sites, oxide damage, wear, and surface roughness.​ Corrosion current decreased, corrosion potential increased and the system’s resistance and capacitance increased and decreased as the coating increased. These trends were expected as the coated alloys corrode slower and have less tendency for corrosion.​ Overall, this study effectively simulated Mg alloy corrosion in BCS.

Introduction: During medical and dental procedures, infection prevention is vital because patients are often more vulnerable, and an infection could be life-threatening. Additionally, maintaining a microbial-free clinical environment—including instruments and surfaces—is essential to prevent contamination by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses that could be transmitted to patients.

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial potential of a silver-copper nanocoating (SakCu®) deposited on medical-grade polyurethane (flat substrates and medical hoses) to reduce the adhesion of opportunistic pathogens associated with medical and dental devices.

Methods:The silver-copper nanocoating was deposited by magnetron sputtering in an inert argon (Ar) atmosphere, using a DC power source at 200 W. The characterization included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The antibacterial assays included analysis of the effect of the SakCu® nanocoating on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli (ATCC 33780), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 43536),Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 14990).

Results:The nanocoating thicknesses obtained were 15, 30, and 50 nm. Surface morphology, analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed a homogeneous coating in all cases. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), elemental mapping, and electron diffraction (EDS) analyses confirmed an average composition of 42% Ag and 58% Cu, uniformly distributed, indicating the formation of an alloy. The antibacterial results showed a reduction in bacterial viability of more than 90% across all species tested.

Conclusions: The results showed the antibacterial potential of the silver-copper nanocoating (SakCu®) to prevent the adhesion of important opportunistic pathogens to medical-grade polyurethane surfaces on devices such as dialysis fluid bags and medical and dental hoses.

Iron–manganese (Fe–Mn) alloys recently gained attention as promising materials for biodegradable metallic implants due to their excellent mechanical properties, comparable to stainless steel. However, their clinical translation is limited by two key issues: a high risk of post-surgical bacterial infections and a slow degradation rate. Staphylococcus species are among the main causes of implant-associated infections, forming resilient biofilms highly resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants. To overcome these limitations, this study develops Fe–Mn–Zn composite coatings with improved antibacterial and corrosion properties. Zinc was selected for its antibacterial and electrochemical properties: the higher electronegativity compared to iron (–1.2 vs –0.89 V) and lower solubility in a Fe-Mn-C matrix is expected to promote galvanic effects and controlled ion release.

Coatings were produced by dual magnetron sputtering using commercial zinc and Hadfield steel targets. The Fe–Mn target was kept at 300W, while the zinc target varied between 0–150 W to modulate composition. Depositions were carried out on silicon wafers at room temperature and 150 °C. The coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), contact angle measurements, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scratch testing, and nanoindentation.

Zinc incorporation produced coatings with low surface roughness (1–10 nm) and no visible defects, maintaining a homogeneous surface at all deposition powers, with a columnar structure and intercolumnar spaces observed. Coating thickness ranged from ~500 to 700 nm. EDS showed zinc content increasing with Zn target power, reaching about 35 wt%, while iron and manganese decreased proportionally. XPS revealed strong zinc enrichment at the surface compared to bulk concentration. Mechanical testing indicated a slight reduction in hardness with increasing zinc, though values remained comparable to stainless steel and titanium alloys made by similar techniques.

Overall, dual magnetron sputtering enabled fabrication of high-purity Fe–Mn–Zn coatings with uniform morphology and modulable composition. Temperature was identified as a key factor influencing microstructure and elemental distribution. Further studies are needed to validate antibacterial properties and elucidate their effect on different classes of bacteria, responsible for infections and pathologies in biomedical applications of degradable materials.

The interfacial stability of metallic coatings strongly influences the functional lifetime of biomedical implants. This work investigates the effect of fabrication route on the adhesion and mechanical stability of electrodeposited copper (Cu) coatings on Ti6Al4V substrates produced by machining and powder metallurgy. Coatings were deposited under identical current and electrolyte conditions, and microhardness testing, DRX, and SEM/EDS microstructural analysis were performed. The Cu films on sintered Ti6Al4V exhibited significantly higher adhesion than those on machined samples, which correlated with increased roughness and open porosity inherent to the powder-metallurgy surface. Elemental mapping revealed partial diffusion of Cu into the Ti matrix, enhancing metallurgical bonding at the interface. These findings demonstrate that microstructural tailoring via the fabrication route can improve coating–substrate integrity and long-term performance in physiological conditions. The results provide a framework for integrating electrodeposition with energy-efficient manufacturing routes for functional coatings, bridging laboratory research with industrial implementation in biomedical device production.

Nickel-titanium alloys and commerciallly pure titanium are widely used as metallic bioimplants owing its unique combination of properties despite its inherent issue of poor corrosion resistance property. This study focusses on improving the corrosion resistance behavior of biomaterials (Nitinol and commerciallly pure titanium) by employing a 2-step processes including Femtosecond laser surface texturing (LST) and Electrophoretic deposition method (EPD). LST promotes refinement of surface grain size by the formation of TiO₂ phase within the EPD coated samples which renders mechanical interlocking points for better coating adhesion. To further enhance the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility nature of biomaterials, graphene and HAP composite coatings were prepared by EPD method onto the biomaterials. The metallic substrates were modified using the femtosecond laser texturing in order to generate micro-textures in the form of grid-like and circular patterns, followed by EPD coating on both bare and textured surfaces. The surface morphologies, microstructure and phase purity analyses were carried out using SEM, EDS, Raman spectroscopy and XRD techniques to confirm the actual composition and quality of the obtained coatings. Scratch test analyses were performed to determine the adhesion strength of the EPD-coated Gr/HAP coatings on laser-textured and bare substrate samples. The corrosion tests were conducted in simulated body fluid solution (SBF) to determine the protection efficiency of the coated samples using EIS and potentiodynamic polarization studies. The result of corrosion tests highlighted superior corrosion resistance property of laser textured coated samples as compared to bare and EPD coated samples due to the excellent corrosion resistance property of graphene nanosheets and higher adhesion property of Gr/HAP coating on the metallic substrates. This synergistic effect of both laser texturing and Gr/HAP composite EPD coatings could be a potential candidate for biomedical applications.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in biomedical devices. Despite its favorable properties, such as hemocompatibility, elasticity, and stability, it remains prone to bacterial colonization, which can lead to severe infections and device failure. Hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) coatings have emerged as a versatile route to enhance biomaterial surfaces, and can serve as platforms for the controlled release of antibacterial agents. However, adhesion of a-C:H coatings to soft polymers such as PDMS remains a critical bottleneck for clinical success. This study investigates how substrate bias and hydrogen incorporation during plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) affect adhesion, morphology, and interface integrity of a-C:H coatings on PDMS. Coatings deposited without bias were termed polymer-like carbon (PLC), and those deposited at −300 V as diamond-like carbon (DLC). The incorporation of hydrogen during deposition produced the hydrogenated counterparts, PLCH and DLCH. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) depth profiling revealed greater coating thickness and sharper interfaces for non-biased coatings. In contrast, biased coatings showed thinner films with evidence of intermixing with substrate components. Regarding hydrogen incorporation, a decrease in coating thickness and surface roughness was observed, as well as a reduction in crack density after tensile deformation. Furthermore, immersion tests under pseudo-physiological conditions demonstrated that the PLCH remained stable for 21 days, with only localized cracks and no significant delamination under static and dynamic conditions. These results suggest that this coating can withstand physiological stresses while maintaining mechanical integrity. Therefore, among the variants studied, PLCH (non-biased + H₂) emerges as the most promising coating for flexible PDMS biomedical devices, offering an optimal balance of thickness, adhesion, flexibility, and chemical durability.

Keywords: Polydimethylsiloxane, Hydrogenated amorphous carbon, coatings, diamond-like carbon, polymer-like carbon, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, adhesion.

We present an innovative microtiter platform that leverages asymmetric capillary action to enable rapid plasma separation and colorimetric analysis from ultra-low volumes of whole blood. In contrast to conventional workflows that rely on large sample volumes (>10 mL) and centrifugation, our simplified approach requires <10 µL of whole blood and no instrumentation. The platform is polymer-based and features spray-coated superhydrophilic nanoporous surfaces combined with hydrophobic screw-shaped sidewalls. Plasma separation is initiated through simple manual shaking using two fingers, which provides sufficient centrifugal force to displace blood cells toward the hydrophobic sidewalls, while asymmetric capillary-driven lateral flow retains the plasma in the bottom nanoporous zone. This streamlined process substantially reduces sample volume, cost, and processing time, offering a portable and user-friendly solution for point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics.

Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys have been used in various biomedical applications, including hip and knee implants, making them highly essential in orthopedics. A major concern regarding these implants is their long-term corrosion resistance, as corrosion can have a negative impact on patient health. Corrosion resistance is impacted by a variety of factors, such as the alloy’s microstructure and the environmental conditions that can affect the release of metal ions. In this study, two different microstructures of CoCrMo were tested including homogeneous and banded samples. Each microstructure was tested under three different conditions: normal, inflammatory, and infectious. To stimulate these environments, 30 g/L protein was used for normal conditions, 0.5 mM hydrogen peroxide for inflammation, and 15 μg/L LPS for infectious conditions. To test the long term effects of these conditions, 24 hour corrosion experiments were performed using a three-electrode electrochemical set up. The electrochemical testing protocol included the sequence of open circuit potential, potentiostatic run, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic polarization. For banded samples the experiments were run at a constant potential of -0.7V and for homogeneous samples, it was run at -0.68V. The banded structure exhibited higher current values than the homogeneous structure, indicating that CoCrMo alloys with a homogeneous microstructure have greater corrosion resistance. Furthermore, among normal, inflammatory, and infectious conditions, the inflammatory condition resulted in the greatest alloy loss (μg) for both banded and homogeneous structures. Specifically, the banded structure showed a loss of 37.53 μg, while the homogenous structure exhibited a loss of 5.69 μg, indicating inflammatory conditions have the least corrosion resistance.

Titanium and its alloys are widely used as biomaterials due to their excellent mechanical performance and corrosion resistance [1]. However, their inert surfaces limit biological interactions after implantation [2]. Surface modification by Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) is a versatile and cost-effective approach to produce porous TiO₂ coatings that can incorporate bioactive elements, enhancing osseointegration and antibacterial behavior [3]. This study investigates the effect of current density on the properties of MAO coatings formed on Ti-30Nb-5Mo alloy substrates. The process was carried out at 300 V for 3 minutes in an electrolyte containing calcium acetate, sodium glycerophosphate, and copper chloride, with current densities ranging from 1.0 to 2.5 A/cm². X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that higher current densities promoted the formation of rutile TiO₂ and increased surface roughness. Consequently, the water contact angle decreased, indicating improved hydrophilicity and potential for better cell adhesion. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed copper incorporation into the coatings, suggesting that the modified surfaces may provide antibacterial functionality. These results demonstrate that tuning the current density during MAO treatment is an effective strategy for tailoring the surface morphology, chemistry, and biological performance of Ti-based alloys for biomedical applications. (Financial Support: CNPq and FAPESP).

References:

[1] X.E. Zhang, W. Zhou, W. Xi, Frontiers in Chemistry, 12 1353950 (2024).

[2] G. Li, F. Ma, P. Liu, S. Qi, W. Li, K. Zhang, X. Chen, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 948, 169773 (2023)

[3] G.C. Cardoso, P.A.B. Kuroda, C.R. Grandini, Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 25, 3061-3070 (2023).

The Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) technique has emerged as one of the most effective methods for improving the surface properties of metallic materials, particularly in titanium (Ti) alloys used for biomedical applications[1]. Although Ti exhibits good mechanical performance, high corrosion resistance, and excellent biocompatibility, issues such as corrosion, infection, and implant rejection may still occur[2]. Ti is an allotropic element, displaying a hexagonal close-packed (α) structure below 882 °C and a body-centered cubic (β) structure above this temperature[2]. The addition of β-stabilizing elements, such as tantalum (Ta) and niobium (Nb), lowers the β-transus temperature and can enhance the material's corrosion resistance and biocompatibility due to the intrinsic properties of Ta and Nb [3]. This study aimed to investigate the influence of microstructure, particularly through variations in Nb content, on coatings obtained by MAO in Ti-25Ta-xNb alloys (x = 10, 20, and 30 wt.% Nb) under different applied voltages (200, 250, and 300 V). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed the predominance of Ti oxides in the anatase and rutile phases, with rutile being more pronounced in samples processed at higher voltages [3]. Scanning electron micrographs showed that both the alloy microstructure and the applied voltage significantly influenced coating formation and morphology, with variations in pore size, shape, and interconnectivity [3]. Rockwell C microhardness tests demonstrated good film adhesion to the substrate under all conditions analyzed [3]. In biological assays, Ti-25Ta-xNb substrates (200–300 V) exhibited non-cytotoxic behavior toward stem cells and effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis, with the Ti-25Ta-30Nb alloy treated at 300 V showing the most promising performance. These findings indicate that surface modification via MAO, combined with controlled Nb addition, produces coatings with excellent adhesion, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties. The authors acknowledge the financial support from the funding agencies FAPESP, CAPES, and CNPq.

1. Review of micro-arc oxidation of titanium alloys: Mechanism, properties and applications. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2023. 948: p. 169773.
2. A review—metastable β titanium alloy for biomedical applications. Journal of Engineering and Applied Science, 2023. 70(1): p. 1-36.
3. Surface Characteristics of TiO2 Coatings Formed by Micro-Arc Oxidation in Ti-25Ta-x Nb Alloys: The Influence of Microstructure and Applied Voltage. Coatings, 2025. 15(6): p. 730.