Uthirapathy Vijayalakshmi

Tantalum (Ta)‐doped zirconia (ZrO ₂ ) composites were fabricated and analyzed for the suitability of biomedical applications, particularly in medical implants. Tantalum was selected due to its excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and ability to form a stable oxide layer, which promotes superior surface properties and osseointegration. The composites were prepared using a coprecipitation method and then sintered at higher temperatures for three different Ta concentrations. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) characterization showed the presence of mixed crystalline phases in the doped samples. Structural and morphological characterization was done using IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XPS showed the elements and oxidation state present in tantalum‐doped zirconia lattice structure. The biocompatibility of the optimized sample was carried out using the MG‐63 cell line and the results showed high cell viability even at increased concentrations. Micro‐CT analysis shows that the Ta‐doped zirconia specimen was successfully fabricated with a dense and uniform internal structure containing only minimal porosity.

Various silicate compounds have been extensively used for scaffold fabrication via electrospinning. However, harnessing the bioactive properties of Calcium silicate (CS) and Zinc silicate (ZS) are less explored in electrospinning. This work discusses the fabrication of PVA-PVP-Chitosan polymer-matrix scaffolds via electrospinning incorporating various percentages of Calcium Silicate/Zinc silicate and the scaffolds are named as PPCC1, PPCC2, and PPCC3 for CS incorporated scaffolds and PPCZ1, PPCZ2 and PPCZ3 for ZS incorporated scaffolds. The biomineralization assay prove bioactivity of the scaffolds and apatite formation was observed within 3 days of immersion. Analysis of the fiber diameter show the direct influence of the presence of ceramics in the scaffolds. When the concentration of CS changed from 0. 5% to 2%, the fiber diameter reduces from 249 to 70 nm. At higher ceramics content, PPCC3 has a tensile strength of 2.79 MPa whereas the tensile strength of PPCZ3 is 2.2 MPa due to the presence of nodules in the scaffold that reduce mechanical stability. All the scaffolds are hydrophilic, their contact angle ranging from 71 − 46°. Due to faster dissociation of Ca ions, CS incorporated scaffold show a faster biodegradation rate than ZS incorporated scaffolds. Since both types scaffolds exhibit < 70% cell viability, they can be effectively used for bone regeneration applications without any adverse effects. ALP activity for CS incorporated scaffold is observed to be 143.07 ± 4.41 U/L on 3rd day and 253.27 ± 5.69 U/L on 7th day. The activity of ZS incorporated scaffold is shown to be 216.03 ± 4.34 U/L on 3rd day and 362.41 ± 3.87 U/L on 7th day.

CeO ₂ /TiO ₂ /chitosan coatings are fabricated using EPD for potent antibacterial orthopedic coatings. Significant antibacterial activity through localized action, with adequate cell viability, and mechanical benefits are observed for the coatings.

The development of durable and biocompatible implant materials remains a critical challenge in the field of biomedical engineering, particularly for dental and orthopedic applications. In this study, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings with varying molar percentages were deposited on Ti-6Al-4V alloy substrates using the plasma spraying technique. Structural analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of both transformable and non-transformable phases, with the latter offering enhanced phase stability advantageous for biomedical use. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the cross-sectional morphology revealed that the 5 M% YSZ coating exhibited uniform thickness, low porosity, and absence of cracks, indicating good coating integrity. In vitro hemocompatibility tests with human blood demonstrated a hemolytic ratio below 5%, meeting the threshold for non-hemolytic biomaterials. Antibacterial assays showed notable inhibition against Escherichia coli , with moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus . Cytocompatibility was evaluated using MG-63 osteoblast-like cells, where the 5 M% YSZ composite exhibited non-toxic behavior up to 250 µg/mL after 24 h of exposure. Mechanical testing further confirmed the coating’s properties under simulated physiological conditions. These findings suggest that 5 M% YSZ plasma-sprayed coatings present a promising candidate for long-term dental and orthopedic implant applications, owing to their favorable mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties.