Eva Jablonská

The development of multifunctional surfaces on titanium implants is a critical strategy for mitigating post-operative infections and enhancing long-term clinical integration. This study investigates a dual-stage surface modification of the Ti6Al4V alloy, combining shifted Laser Surface Texturing (sLST) with functional ethanol-based silver coatings. The novelty of this research lies in the synergistic combination of advanced sLST surface engineering, which creates a hexagonal "reservoir" topography, and the stable functionalization of these complex structures with antimicrobial silver particles. Initially, the substrates were laser-processed to create a defined hexagonal surface morphology, followed by the deposition of silver-containing) and silver-free coatings via dip-coating and subsequent heat treatment. Comprehensive surface characterization using SEM, EDS, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed a homogeneous distribution of silver particles within the porous laser-textured structure, with silver concentrations in the resulting extracts reaching several mg/l. Biological evaluation revealed that the silver-doped coatings achieved nearly 100% antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli after 24 hours, showing zero or only negligible colony growth compared to the silver-free and reference samples. Cytotoxicity testing with extracts using L929 fibroblasts demonstrated that all modified surfaces maintained relative metabolic activity above 70% threshold, thus qualifying as non-toxic according to ISO 10993-5 standards. Despite this high metabolic viability, microscopic analysis revealed localized impairments in cell morphology, suggesting a complex cellular response that may be influenced by preparation-related factors. The integration of sLST texturing with Ag-doped ethanol coatings represents a highly effective approach for producing antimicrobial titanium surfaces with maintained cytocompatibility, offering significant potential for advanced orthopaedic and dental applications.

The development of multifunctional surfaces on titanium implants is a critical strategy for mitigating post-operative infections and enhancing long-term clinical integration. This study investigates a dual-stage surface modification of the Ti6Al4V alloy, combining shifted Laser Surface Texturing (sLST) with functional ethanol-based silver coatings. The novelty of this research lies in the synergistic combination of advanced sLST surface engineering, which creates a hexagonal "reservoir" topography, and the stable functionalization of these complex structures with antimicrobial silver particles . Initially, the substrates were laser-processed to create a defined hexagonal surface morphology, followed by the deposition of silver-containing (EtOH AN04) and silver-free (EtOH) coatings via dip-coating and subsequent heat treatment. Comprehensive surface characterization using SEM, EDS, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed a homogeneous distribution of silver particles within the porous laser-textured structure, with silver concentrations in the resulting extracts reaching several mg/l. Biological evaluation revealed that the silver-doped coatings achieved nearly 100% antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli (E.coli) after 24 hours, showing zero or only negligible colony growth compared to the silver-free and reference samples. Cytotoxicity testing with extracts using L929 fibroblasts demonstrated that all modified surfaces maintained relative metabolic activity above the 70% threshold, thus qualifying as non-toxic according to ISO 10993-5 standards. Despite this high metabolic viability, microscopic analysis revealed localized impairments in cell morphology, suggesting a complex cellular response that may be influenced by preparation-related factors. Overall, the integration of sLST texturing with Ag-doped ethanol coatings represents a highly effective approach for producing antimicrobial titanium surfaces with maintained cytocompatibility, offering significant potential for advanced orthopaedic and dental applications.

Zinc-based alloys are promising candidates for biodegradable implant applications; however, their rapid initial corrosion and limited cytocompatibility remain major challenges. In this study, a Zn-Ca-P layer in a form of parascholzite (CaZn₂(PO₄)₂·2H₂O) was prepared on a Zn-0.8Mg-0.2Sr alloy via anodic oxidation followed by short-time biomimetic calcium–phosphate deposition. The formation mechanism, corrosion behaviour, and preliminary biological response of the modified surface were systematically investigated. The Zn-Ca-P layer formed a compact and crystalline phosphate layer that significantly altered the corrosion response of the zinc substrate in Leibovitz L-15 medium containing foetal bovine serum. Electrochemical measurements revealed a pronounced improvement in corrosion resistance and a transition from rapid active dissolution to a controlled, ion-exchange-driven degradation mechanism. The moderate solubility of parascholzite enabled the gradual release of Zn²⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions while maintaining surface stability during immersion. Preliminary cell adhesion experiments demonstrated a clear enhancement of cytocompatibility for the Zn-Ca-P-layer-coated samples, where cells readily adhered and spread, in contrast to the bare alloy surface, which showed lower cell attachment. The improved biological response is attributed to the phosphate-rich surface chemistry, favourable surface morphology, and moderated corrosion behaviour. Overall, the parascholzite-like layer provides an effective strategy with which to regulate both corrosion and early cell–material interactions of zinc-based biodegradable alloys, highlighting its potential for temporary biomedical implant applications.

In this study, the effect of laser treatment on the surface of 3D-printed TiAl6V4 alloy with triply periodic structures was examined. As-printed and chemically etched samples served as references to assess surface changes. Microscopic analysis confirmed that laser treatment caused remelting and wave-like structures, while rapid cooling led to cracks through the new layer. Chemical and phase analyses showed the presence of TixOy (x = 1–2; y = 1–3) compounds, with variations between untreated and treated samples. Both modification methods removed un-sintered powder, but laser treatment preserved strut thickness, benefiting mechanical properties. In particular, the aim of the surface modification was to eliminate sintered particles to minimize the risk of detachment in in vivo applications, thereby enhancing implant reliability. The best mechanical performance was in untreated samples, with laser-treated ones showing only minor reduction. For example, a diamond-structured sample had a yield strength of 93 ± 2 MPa before treatment and 89 ± 3 MPa after. Additionally, surface hardness increased by about 60% post-treatment. Gyroid-structured samples showed superior strength, ductility, and compressive properties compared to diamond structures. Corrosion testing found no localized corrosion, confirming laser treatment did not degrade corrosion resistance. The metabolic activity of laser-treated materials remained above the 70% threshold, indicating cytocompatibility. Therefore, laser treatment holds promise for Ti-based 3D-printed implants.

This research focuses on the development of titania coatings containing calcium, phosphorus, and silver, prepared using the sol–gel method and applied via dip-coating technique for use in biomedical implants.

In vitro testing is the first important step in the development of new biomaterials. The human fetal osteoblast cell line hFOB 1.19 is a very promising cell model; however, there are vast discrepancies in cultivation protocols, especially in the cultivation temperature and the presence of the selection reagent, geneticin (G418). We intended to use hFOB 1.19 for the testing of Zn-based degradable metallic materials. However, the sensitivity of hFOB 1.19 to zinc ions has not yet been studied. Therefore, we compared the toxicity of zinc towards hFOB 1.19 under different conditions and compared it with that of the L929 mouse fibroblast cell line. We also tested the cytotoxicity of three types of Zn-based biomaterials in two types of media. The presence of G418 used as a selection reagent decreased the sensitivity of hFOB 1.19 to Zn²⁺. hFOB 1.19 cell line was more sensitive to Zn²⁺ at elevated (restrictive) temperatures. hFOB 1.19 cell line was less sensitive to Zn²⁺ than L929 cell line (both as ZnCl₂ and extracts of alloys). Therefore, the appropriate cultivation conditions of hFOB 1.19 during biomaterial testing should be chosen with caution.