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Keywords = silver-doping

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19 pages, 7946 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Disinfection of Photocatalytic Nanomaterials Exposed to UVC, Electricity and Magnetic Fields Against Candida albicans
by María Cristina Grijalva-Castillo, Renee Joselin Saénz-Hernández, Adrián Alberto Cobos-Márquez, Francisco Alonso Herrera-Ojeda, Fernando Efraín Díaz-Chávez, Irving Ricardo Acosta-Galindo, César Leyva-Porras, Alva Rocío Castillo-González, María Alejandra Favila-Pérez, Celia María Quiñonez-Flores, Javier Camarillo Cisneros and Carlos Arzate-Quintana
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080968 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
Nosocomial infections caused by Candida albicans pose serious challenges to healthcare systems due to their persistence on medical surfaces and resistance to conventional disinfectants. This study evaluates antifungal properties of SnO2 doped with silver and cuprite nanoparticles and WO3 thin films, [...] Read more.
Nosocomial infections caused by Candida albicans pose serious challenges to healthcare systems due to their persistence on medical surfaces and resistance to conventional disinfectants. This study evaluates antifungal properties of SnO2 doped with silver and cuprite nanoparticles and WO3 thin films, as well as cobalt (CoFe2O4) and cobalt–nickel (Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4) ferrite nanoparticles, activated by ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation, direct electric current (up to 100 V), and magnetic fields. SnO2 films were synthesized by Spray Pyrolysis and WO3 by Sputtering deposition, Ferrites nanoparticles by sol–gel, while metallic nanoparticles were synthetized via chemical reduction. Characterization consisted mainly of SEM, TEM, and XRD, and their antimicrobial activity was tested against C. albicans. WO3 films achieved 86.2% fungal inhibition after 5 min of UVC exposure. SnO2 films doped with nanoparticles reached 100% inhibition when combined with UVC and 100 V. Ferrite nanoparticles alone showed moderate activity (21.9%–40.4%) but exhibited strong surface adhesion to fungal cells, indicating potential for magnetically guided antifungal therapies. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using multifunctional nanomaterials for rapid, non-chemical disinfection. The materials are low-cost, scalable, and adaptable to hospital settings, making them promising candidates for reducing healthcare-associated fungal infections through advanced surface sterilization technologies. Full article
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17 pages, 2533 KiB  
Article
Novel Coating Approaches for Polyethylene Biliary Stents to Reduce Microbial Adhesion, Prevent Biofilm Formation, and Prolong Stent Patency
by Laura Wagner, Philipp Stolte, Stephan Heller, Dina Schippers, Dominik Pförringer, Jutta Tübel, Roland M. Schmid, Rainer Burgkart, Jochen Schneider and Andreas Karl-Werner Obermeier
Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 1950; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13081950 - 9 Aug 2025
Viewed by 434
Abstract
Background: Occlusion of plastic biliary stents is a common complication in biliary drainage, often requiring exchange procedures every 2–4 months due to microbial colonization and sludge formation. This study aimed to evaluate diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings, with and without silver nanoparticle additives, [...] Read more.
Background: Occlusion of plastic biliary stents is a common complication in biliary drainage, often requiring exchange procedures every 2–4 months due to microbial colonization and sludge formation. This study aimed to evaluate diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings, with and without silver nanoparticle additives, for preventing stent occlusion. Methods: Polyethylene (PE) stents were coated with DLC using PlasmaImpax for DLC-1 and pulsed laser deposition for DLC-2. Silver ions (Ag) were incorporated into the DLC-2 coatings. To simulate in vivo conditions, a co-culture of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) was used for microbial colonization. Standardized human bile simulated physiological conditions. Adhesion tests, weight measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) quantified bacterial adherence to stents. Results: DLC-1 coatings demonstrated higher bacterial growth than uncoated PE stents with E. faecalis (adhesion assay difference: 0.6 log [p = 0.19] and 0.1 log [p = 0.75] in rounds 1 and 2, respectively). In the bile incubation model, DLC-1 did not significantly reduce bacterial counts at 5 days (0.4 log [p = 0.06]) or 14 days (0.2 log [p = 0.44]). DLC-2 showed no significant reduction either. DLC-2-Ag significantly reduced bacterial adhesion (5 days: −0.3 log [p = 0.00]; 14 days: −0.4 log [p = 0.16]) and exhibited inhibition zones against E. faecalis (2.3 mm), E. coli (2.1 mm), and C. albicans (0.6 mm). SEM revealed cracks and flaking in the coating. Conclusions: DLC coatings alone did not prevent microbial adhesion. Tendencies of anti-adhesive properties were seen with Ag-doped DLC coatings, which were attributed to the antibacterial effects of Ag. Optimization of the DLC-coating process is needed to improve stent performance. Future studies with larger samples sizes are needed to confirm the observed trends. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Hepatic and Gastrointestinal Diseases in Germany)
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15 pages, 2022 KiB  
Article
Dual-Emission Au-Ag Nanoclusters with Enhanced Photoluminescence and Thermal Sensitivity for Intracellular Ratiometric Nanothermometry
by Helin Liu, Zhongliang Zhou, Zhiwei Wang, Jianhai Wang, Yu Wang, Lu Huang, Tianhuan Guo, Rongcheng Han and Yuqiang Jiang
Biosensors 2025, 15(8), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15080510 - 6 Aug 2025
Viewed by 314
Abstract
We report the development of highly luminescent, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-stabilized gold–silver bimetallic nanoclusters (Au-AgNCs@BSA) as a novel platform for high-sensitivity, ratiometric intracellular temperature sensing. Precise and non-invasive temperature sensing at the nanoscale is crucial for applications ranging from intracellular thermogenesis monitoring to [...] Read more.
We report the development of highly luminescent, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-stabilized gold–silver bimetallic nanoclusters (Au-AgNCs@BSA) as a novel platform for high-sensitivity, ratiometric intracellular temperature sensing. Precise and non-invasive temperature sensing at the nanoscale is crucial for applications ranging from intracellular thermogenesis monitoring to localized hyperthermia therapies. Traditional luminescent thermometric platforms often suffer from limitations such as high cytotoxicity and low photostability. Here, we synthesized Au-AgNCs@BSA via a one-pot aqueous reaction, achieving significantly enhanced photoluminescence quantum yields (PL QYs, up to 18%) and superior thermal responsiveness compared to monometallic counterparts. The dual-emissive Au-AgNCs@BSA exhibit a linear ratiometric fluorescence response to temperature fluctuations within the physiological range (20–50 °C), enabling accurate and concentration-independent thermometry in live cells. Time-resolved PL and Arrhenius analyses reveal two distinct emissive states and a high thermal activation energy (Ea = 199 meV), indicating strong temperature dependence. Silver doping increases radiative decay rates while maintaining low non-radiative losses, thus amplifying fluorescence intensity and thermal sensitivity. Owing to their small size, excellent photostability, and low cytotoxicity, these nanoclusters were applied to non-invasive intracellular temperature mapping, presenting a promising luminescent nanothermometer for real-time cellular thermogenesis monitoring and advanced bioimaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nano- and Micro-Technologies in Biosensors)
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20 pages, 3217 KiB  
Review
Progress in Al/AgO Electrode Materials for Seawater-Activated Batteries
by Peiqiang Chen, Qun Zheng, Changfu Wang, Penglin Dai, Yujuan Yin, Jinmao Chen, Xudong Wang, Wanli Xu and Man Ruan
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4007; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154007 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
Al/AgO seawater-activated batteries with high specific energy and high specific power are widely used at present. The AgO electrode determines the performance of the battery, with its active material utilization rate having a significant impact on the specific capacity, energy density and discharge [...] Read more.
Al/AgO seawater-activated batteries with high specific energy and high specific power are widely used at present. The AgO electrode determines the performance of the battery, with its active material utilization rate having a significant impact on the specific capacity, energy density and discharge capacity of the battery. Therefore, this study briefly introduces the structure and working principle of Al/AgO seawater-activated batteries. Starting from the AgO material itself, common preparation methods for such positive electrode materials—including sintered silver oxide electrodes, pressed silver oxide electrodes and thin-film silver oxide electrodes—are introduced, and the factors influencing their electrochemical performance are analyzed in depth. We elaborate on the relevant research progress regarding AgO electrodes in terms of improving battery performance, detailing the effects of the silver powder’s morphology, porosity, purity, ordered structure, surface treatment and doping modification methods on silver oxide electrodes. Finally, various methods for improving the electrochemical performance of silver oxide electrodes are detailed. Current challenges and possible future research directions are analyzed, and prospects for the future development of high-specific-energy batteries based on AgO electrode materials are discussed. Overall, this review highlights the characteristics of Al/AgO batteries, providing a theoretical basis for the development of high-performance Al/AgO batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A: Sustainable Energy)
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20 pages, 3625 KiB  
Article
Improvement in the Corrosion and Wear Resistance of ZrO2-Ag Coatings on 316LVM Stainless Steel Under Tribocorrosive Conditions
by Willian Aperador and Giovany Orozco-Hernández
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 862; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080862 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 401
Abstract
This study investigates the development of silver (Ag)-doped zirconia (ZrO2) coatings deposited on 316LVM stainless steel via the unbalanced magnetron sputtering technique. The oxygen content in the Ar/O2 gas mixture was systematically varied (12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, and 50%) to assess [...] Read more.
This study investigates the development of silver (Ag)-doped zirconia (ZrO2) coatings deposited on 316LVM stainless steel via the unbalanced magnetron sputtering technique. The oxygen content in the Ar/O2 gas mixture was systematically varied (12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, and 50%) to assess its influence on the resulting coating properties. In response to the growing demand for biomedical implants with improved durability and biocompatibility, the objective was to develop coatings that enhance both wear and corrosion resistance in physiological environments. The effects of silver incorporation and oxygen concentration on the structural, tribological, and electrochemical behavior of the coatings were systematically analyzed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to identify crystalline phases, while atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to characterize surface topography prior to wear testing. Wear resistance was evaluated using a ball-on-plane tribometer under simulated prosthetic motion, applying a 5 N load with a bone pin as the counter body. Corrosion resistance was assessed through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a physiological solution. Additionally, tribocorrosive performance was investigated by coupling tribological and electrochemical tests in Ringer’s lactate solution, simulating dynamic in vivo contact conditions. The results demonstrate that Ag doping, combined with increased oxygen content in the sputtering atmosphere, significantly improves both wear and corrosion resistance. Notably, the ZrO2-Ag coating deposited with 50% O2 exhibited the lowest wear volume (0.086 mm3) and a minimum coefficient of friction (0.0043) under a 5 N load. This same coating also displayed superior electrochemical performance, with the highest charge transfer resistance (38.83 kΩ·cm2) and the lowest corrosion current density (3.32 × 10−8 A/cm2). These findings confirm the high structural integrity and outstanding tribocorrosive behavior of the coating, highlighting its potential for application in biomedical implant technology. Full article
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18 pages, 5775 KiB  
Article
Precision Solar Spectrum Filtering in Aerogel Windows via Synergistic ITO-Ag Nanoparticle Doping for Hot-Climate Energy Efficiency
by Huilin Yang, Maoquan Huang, Mingyang Yang, Xuankai Zhang and Mu Du
Gels 2025, 11(7), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11070553 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 265
Abstract
Windows are a major contributor to energy loss in buildings, particularly in hot climates where solar radiation heat gain significantly increases cooling demand. An ideal energy-efficient window must maintain high visible light transmittance while effectively blocking ultraviolet and near-infrared radiation, presenting a significant [...] Read more.
Windows are a major contributor to energy loss in buildings, particularly in hot climates where solar radiation heat gain significantly increases cooling demand. An ideal energy-efficient window must maintain high visible light transmittance while effectively blocking ultraviolet and near-infrared radiation, presenting a significant challenge for material design. We propose a plasma silica aerogel window utilizing the local surface plasmon resonance effect of plasmonic nanoparticles. This design incorporates indium tin oxide (ITO) nanospheres (for broad-band UV/NIR blocking) and silver (Ag) nanocylinders (targeted blocking of the 0.78–0.9 μm NIR band) co-doped into the silica aerogel. This design achieves a visible light transmittance of 0.8, a haze value below 0.12, and a photothermal ratio of 0.91. Building simulations indicate that compared to traditional glass, this window can achieve annual energy savings of 20–40% and significantly reduce the economic losses associated with traditional glass, providing a feasible solution for sustainable buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gel Applications)
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17 pages, 5683 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effect of Calcination Temperature and Silver Doping on Photocatalytic Performance of ZnO Material
by K. Kusdianto, Nurdiana Ratna Puri, Manabu Shimada, Suci Madhania and Sugeng Winardi
Materials 2025, 18(14), 3362; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143362 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 273
Abstract
Ag-doped ZnO is a promising photocatalyst. However, the combined influence of the Ag doping concentration and furnace temperature has not been adequately explored, hindering the optimization of ZnO/Ag materials for practical applications. In this study, ZnO/Ag materials were synthesized via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis [...] Read more.
Ag-doped ZnO is a promising photocatalyst. However, the combined influence of the Ag doping concentration and furnace temperature has not been adequately explored, hindering the optimization of ZnO/Ag materials for practical applications. In this study, ZnO/Ag materials were synthesized via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis by systematically varying both the furnace calcination temperature and the Ag doping concentration. The synthesized materials were analyzed through a range of spectroscopic methods to investigate their structural, morphological, and surface characteristics. Their photocatalytic activity was assessed by monitoring the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under ultraviolet light exposure. The findings indicate that the ZnO sample that was calcined at 400 °C exhibited the highest degradation efficiency among the undoped samples, which can be attributed to its submicron particle size, moderate crystallinity, and high surface hydroxylation. The sample with 5-wt% Ag doping achieved enhanced performance, demonstrating the best photocatalytic activity (65% MB degradation). This improvement was attributed to the synergistic effects of surface plasmon resonance and optimized interaction between the Ag nanoparticles and surface hydroxyl groups. Excessive Ag loading (10 wt%) led to reduced activity owing to potential agglomeration and recombination centers. These results highlight the critical role of both the thermal and chemical parameters in tailoring ZnO-based photocatalysts for wastewater treatment applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)
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24 pages, 7602 KiB  
Article
Developing Bioengineered 3D-Printed Composite Scaffolds with Antimicrobial Potential for Bone Tissue Regeneration
by Andreea Trifan, Eduard Liciu, Cristina Busuioc, Izabela-Cristina Stancu, Adela Banciu, Carmen Nicolae, Mihai Dragomir, Doru-Daniel Cristea, Rosina-Elena Sabău, David-Andrei Nițulescu and Alexandru Paraschiv
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(6), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16060227 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 900
Abstract
This research activity proposes to produce composite hydrogel–bioactive glass. The primary purpose of this research is to develop and optimize 3D-printed scaffolds using doped bioglass, aimed at enhancing bone regeneration in bone defects. The bioglass, a bioactive material known for its bone-bonding ability [...] Read more.
This research activity proposes to produce composite hydrogel–bioactive glass. The primary purpose of this research is to develop and optimize 3D-printed scaffolds using doped bioglass, aimed at enhancing bone regeneration in bone defects. The bioglass, a bioactive material known for its bone-bonding ability (SiO2–P2O5–CaO–Na2O), co-doped with europium and silver was synthesized and doped to improve its biological properties. This doped bioglass was then combined with a biocompatible hydrogel, chosen for its adequate cellular response and printability. The composite material was printed to form a scaffold, providing a structure that not only supports the damaged bone but also encourages osteogenesis. A variety of methods were employed to assess the rheological, compositional, and morphological characteristics of the samples: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Additionally, simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion for bioactivity monitoring and immunocytochemistry for cell viability were used to evaluate the biological response of the scaffolds. Full article
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18 pages, 3558 KiB  
Article
Zeolitic-Imidazole Framework (ZIF)-Derived ZnO Doped with Ag for Improved Ethanol Sensing Applications
by Claudio Clemente, Valentina Gargiulo, Luciana Cimino, Giovanni Piero Pepe, Giovanni Ausanio, Ettore Massera and Michela Alfe
Molecules 2025, 30(12), 2611; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30122611 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 546
Abstract
Materials derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as MOF-derived oxides retain a highly porous and active structure from the MOF precursor, exhibiting excellent sensing properties. In addition, the tunable nature of MOFs allows the structural and chemical properties of the resulting oxides to be [...] Read more.
Materials derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as MOF-derived oxides retain a highly porous and active structure from the MOF precursor, exhibiting excellent sensing properties. In addition, the tunable nature of MOFs allows the structural and chemical properties of the resulting oxides to be specifically tuned to enhance their performance as sensing materials. In this work, zinc-based MOF structures belonging to the family of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) were synthesized, characterized and then subjected to a high-temperature calcination process to obtain the corresponding oxides. To improve sensing performance, various silver doping strategies (1 wt.%) were explored, specifically through a growth process and an impregnation process. Among these approaches, the oxide obtained via the growth process demonstrates superior performance, exhibiting a response 5.8 times higher than pristine ZnO when exposed to 80 ppm of ethanol at 300 °C in a humidity-controlled chamber. These results highlight the potential of silver doping via growth process as an effective strategy to enhance the sensing performance of MOF-derived ZnO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Sensing Applications)
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9 pages, 1252 KiB  
Communication
Dual Effects of Ag Doping and S Vacancies on H2 Detection Using SnS2-Based Photo-Induced Gas Sensor at Room Temperature
by Shaoling Wang, Xianju Shi, Na Fang, Haoran Ma and Jichao Wang
Materials 2025, 18(12), 2687; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18122687 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 520
Abstract
Hydrogen (H2) monitoring demonstrates significant practical importance for safety assurance in industrial production and daily life, driving the demand for gas-sensing devices with enhanced performance and reduced power consumption. This study developed a room-temperature (RT) hydrogen-sensing platform utilizing two-dimensional (2D) Ag-doped [...] Read more.
Hydrogen (H2) monitoring demonstrates significant practical importance for safety assurance in industrial production and daily life, driving the demand for gas-sensing devices with enhanced performance and reduced power consumption. This study developed a room-temperature (RT) hydrogen-sensing platform utilizing two-dimensional (2D) Ag-doped SnS2 nanomaterials activated by light illumination. The Ag-SnS2 nanosheets, synthesized through hydrothermal methods, exhibited exceptional H2 detection capabilities under blue LED light activation. The synergistic interaction between silver dopants and photo-activation enabled remarkable gas sensitivity across a broad concentration range (5.0–2500 ppm), achieving rapid response/recovery times (4 s/18 s) at 2500 ppm under RT. Material characterization revealed that Ag doping induced S vacancies, enhancing oxygen adsorption, while simultaneously facilitating photo-induced hole transfer for surface hydrogen activation. The optimized sensor maintained good response stability after five-week ambient storage, demonstrating excellent operational durability. Experimental results further demonstrated that Ag dopants enhanced hydrogen adsorption–activation, while S vacancies improved the surface oxygen affinity. This work provides fundamental insights into defect engineering strategies for the development of optically modulated gas sensors, proposing a viable pathway for the construction of energy-efficient environmental monitoring systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)
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15 pages, 1853 KiB  
Article
Degradation of Micropollutants in Wastewater Using Photocatalytic TiO2@Ag-NPs Coatings Under Visible Irradiation
by Cristian Yoel Quintero-Castañeda, Claire Tendero, Thibaut Triquet, Arturo I. Villegas-Andrade, María Margarita Sierra-Carrillo and Caroline Andriantsiferana
Water 2025, 17(11), 1632; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17111632 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 655
Abstract
The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by the micropollutants in wastewater discharges is currently a critical issue. Therefore, the development of novel treatment processes and materials is essential to ensure the availability of safe water. The present study aims to develop a photocatalytic material [...] Read more.
The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by the micropollutants in wastewater discharges is currently a critical issue. Therefore, the development of novel treatment processes and materials is essential to ensure the availability of safe water. The present study aims to develop a photocatalytic material composed of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs)-doped TiO2 supported on a Pyrex® plate (TiO2@Ag-NPs) exhibiting catalytic activity under visible irradiation (λ > 400 nm). The effects of Ag-NPs doping on the TiO2 matrix, the resistance of the coating at the catalyst/substrate interface, and the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the photocatalyst for a micropollutant (diuron) of the pesticide family were studied. The photocatalyst was characterised using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, and scratch tests. The solution concentrations were monitored using high-performance liquid chromatography and total organic carbon analyses. A 32% diuron removal was achieved using photocatalytic TiO2@Ag-NPs under visible irradiation, whereas undoped TiO2 showed no activity. Furthermore, the effects of the nanoparticle growth mode on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2@Ag-NPs were explored. The presence of a TiO2 sublayer ensured the adhesion of the coating and promoted the dispersion of nanoparticles within the matrix. It ensured chemical continuity (TiO2@Ag-NPs/Pyrex®), reduced the bandgap, and decreased electron–hole pair recombination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Photocatalysis in Water and Wastewater Treatment)
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23 pages, 5205 KiB  
Article
Femtosecond Laser-Engineered β-TCP Scaffolds: A Comparative Study of Green-Synthesized AgNPs vs. Ion Doping Against S. aureus for Bone Regeneration
by Marco Oliveira, Liliya Angelova, Georgi Avdeev, Liliana Grenho, Maria Helena Fernandes and Albena Daskalova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(10), 4888; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26104888 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 639
Abstract
Implant-associated infections, particularly those linked to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), continue to compromise the clinical success of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) implants despite their excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. This investigation aims to tackle these challenges by integrating femtosecond (fs)-laser surface processing with [...] Read more.
Implant-associated infections, particularly those linked to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), continue to compromise the clinical success of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) implants despite their excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. This investigation aims to tackle these challenges by integrating femtosecond (fs)-laser surface processing with two complementary strategies: ion doping and functionalization with green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs were produced via fs-laser photoreduction using green tea leaf extract (GTLE), noted for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Fs-laser processing was applied to modify β-TCP scaffolds by systematically varying scanning velocities, fluences, and patterns. Lower scanning velocities generated organized nanostructures with enhanced roughness and wettability, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical profilometry, and contact angle measurements, whereas higher laser energies induced significant phase transitions between hydroxyapatite (HA) and α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP), as revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). AgNP-functionalized scaffolds demonstrated markedly superior antibacterial activity against S. aureus compared to the ion-doped variants, attributed to the synergistic interplay of nanostructure-mediated surface disruption and AgNP-induced bactericidal mechanisms. Although ion-doped scaffolds exhibited limited direct antibacterial effects, they showed concentration-dependent activity in indirect assays, likely due to controlled ion release. Both strategies promoted osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) under defined conditions, albeit with transient cytotoxicity at higher fluences and excessive ion doping. Overall, this approach holds promise for markedly improving antibacterial efficacy and osteogenic compatibility, potentially transforming bone regeneration therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 3626 KiB  
Article
Lithiophilic Modification of Self-Supporting Carbon-Based Hosts and Lithium Metal Plating/Stripping Behaviors
by Zipeng Jiang, Shoudong Xie, Guijun Yang, Huiyuan Chen, Jiahang Lv, Ang Li, Chengwei Fan and Huaihe Song
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(10), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15100746 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 445
Abstract
Metallic lithium anodes possess the lowest redox potential (−3.04 V vs. SHE) and an ultra-high theoretical capacity (3860 mAh g−1, 2061 mAh cm−3). However, during electrochemical cycling, lithium metal tends to plate unevenly, leading to the formation of lithium [...] Read more.
Metallic lithium anodes possess the lowest redox potential (−3.04 V vs. SHE) and an ultra-high theoretical capacity (3860 mAh g−1, 2061 mAh cm−3). However, during electrochemical cycling, lithium metal tends to plate unevenly, leading to the formation of lithium dendrites. Moreover, severe electrochemical corrosion occurs at the interface between metallic lithium and traditional copper foil current collectors. To address these issues, we selected corrosion-resistant carbon paper as a lithium metal host and modified a uniform distribution of silver nanoparticles and a F-doped amorphous carbon structure as a highly lithiophilic F-CP@Ag host to enhance lithium-ion transport kinetics and achieve improved affinity with lithium metal. The silver nanoparticles reduced the lithium nucleation energy barrier, while F doping resulted in a LiF-rich solid electrolyte interphase that better accommodated volume changes in lithium metal. These two strategies worked together to ensure uniform and stable lithium metal plating/stripping on the F-CP@Ag host. Consequently, under the conditions of 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2, the symmetric cell exhibited stable cycling with a polarization voltage of 8 mV for up to 1400 h. This work highlights the corrosion problem of lithium metal on traditional copper foil current collectors and provides guidance for the long-term cycling stability of lithium metal anodes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy and Catalysis)
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17 pages, 15972 KiB  
Article
Structure and Properties of Silver-Platinum-Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposite Coating
by Andrzej Dziedzic, Dariusz Augustowski, Paweł Kwaśnicki, Stanisław Adamiak, Wojciech Bochnowski, Anna Żaczek, Patrycja Skała, Bogumił Cieniek, Piotr Potera, Jakub Dziedzic, Małgorzata Kus-Liskiewicz and Dariusz Płoch
Coatings 2025, 15(5), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050587 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 856
Abstract
The aim of this study was to produce a coating for protective glass glued to touch displays with high antibacterial effectiveness. This paper presents the structural, mechanical, optical, and antibacterial properties of a TiO2:Ag–Pt coating prepared by dual reactive DC and [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to produce a coating for protective glass glued to touch displays with high antibacterial effectiveness. This paper presents the structural, mechanical, optical, and antibacterial properties of a TiO2:Ag–Pt coating prepared by dual reactive DC and RF magnetron sputtering. Characterization techniques used include XRD, TEM with EDS, SEM, AFM, nanoindentation for hardness and Young’s modulus, wettability tests, and optical property analysis. The coating exhibited columnar crystals with a width of 30–50 nm. Crystals of anatase, rutile, silver, and platinum with a size of up to 3 nm were identified. The coating deposited on glass had a concentration of 5.0 ± 0.2% at. Ag and 4.4 ± 0.1% at. Pt. The value of the optical band gap energy, corresponding to the direct transition, was 3.36 eV, while Urbach’s energy was in the order of 500 meV. The hydrophilic coating had a roughness RMS = 1.8 ± 0.2 nm, hardness HV = 6.8 ± 0.5 GPa, and Young’s modulus E = 116 ± 8 GPa. A unique combination of the phase composition of the TiO2:Ag–Pt coating, metallic Ag and Pt nanoparticles in a ceramic matrix of anatase and rutile crystallites resulted a >90% reduction of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This antibacterial effect was attributed to the activation of the doped semiconductor under visible light via plasmon resonance of the Ag and Pt nanoparticles, as well as a light-independent antibacterial action due to Ag+ ion release. In contrast, commercial antibacterial coatings typically achieve only around 60% bacterial reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Properties of Crystals and Thin Films, Volume II)
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15 pages, 2796 KiB  
Article
Incorporation of Ag-ZnO Nanoparticles into PVDF Membrane Formulation to Enhance Dye Retention, Permeability, and Antibacterial Properties
by Baha Chamam, Roua Ben Dassi, Jraba Abderraouf, Jean Pierre Mericq, Catherine Faur, Ismail Trabelsi, Lassaad El Mir and Marc Heran
Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091269 - 6 May 2025
Viewed by 756
Abstract
Ultrafiltration is essential for wastewater treatment, but it faces challenges such as selectivity, control, and fouling reduction. Incorporating nanoparticles into membranes enhances retention, boosts permeability, and limits fouling, improving overall performance. This study explores the properties of PVDF/Ag-ZnO composite membranes, highlighting the influence [...] Read more.
Ultrafiltration is essential for wastewater treatment, but it faces challenges such as selectivity, control, and fouling reduction. Incorporating nanoparticles into membranes enhances retention, boosts permeability, and limits fouling, improving overall performance. This study explores the properties of PVDF/Ag-ZnO composite membranes, highlighting the influence of silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles on membrane structure, performance, and antimicrobial effect. The non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method successfully led to the preparation of composite membranes; this method used different doses of silver-doped zinc oxide (Ag-ZnO) nanoparticles with Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and water contact angle measurements were used to validate the influence of nanoparticles on the composite membrane (PVDF/Ag-ZnO) structure. Conversely, morphology (porosity, surface rigorosity), hydrophilicity, and permeability were analyzed through contact angle, image analysis, and flux measurement. In addition, the membranes were tested for antimicrobial activity against E. coli. Membrane performance shows that the incorporation of 20% w/w Ag-ZnO resulted in improved water permeability, which was about 2.73 times higher than that of a pure PVDF membrane (192.2 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1). The membrane porosity showed a linear increase with the number of NPs. The resultant asymmetric membrane was altered to increase the number of pores on the top surface by 61% and the cross-sectional pore surface by 663%. Furthermore, a high antibacterial activity of Ag-ZnO 20% was shown. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Polymers and Technology for Membrane Fabrication)
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