1
|
McHendrie R, Nguyen NH, Nguyen MT, Fallahnezhad K, Vasilev K, Truong VK, Hashemi R. Development of Novel Antibacterial Ti-Nb-Ga Alloys with Low Stiffness for Medical Implant Applications. J Funct Biomater 2024; 15:167. [PMID: 38921540 DOI: 10.3390/jfb15060167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
With the rising demand for medical implants and the dominance of implant-associated failures including infections, extensive research has been prompted into the development of novel biomaterials that can offer desirable characteristics. This study develops and evaluates new titanium-based alloys containing gallium additions with the aim of offering beneficial antibacterial properties while having a reduced stiffness level to minimise the effect of stress shielding when in contact with bone. The focus is on the microstructure, mechanical properties, antimicrobial activity, and cytocompatibility to inform the suitability of the designed alloys as biometals. Novel Ti-33Nb-xGa alloys (x = 3, 5 wt%) were produced via casting followed by homogenisation treatment, where all results were compared to the currently employed alloy Ti-6Al-4V. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) results depicted a single beta (β) phase microstructure in both Ga-containing alloys, where Ti-33Nb-5Ga was also dominated by dendritic alpha (α) phase grains in a β-phase matrix. EDS analysis indicated that the α-phase dendrites in Ti-33Nb-5Ga were enriched with titanium, while the β-phase was richer in niobium and gallium elements. Mechanical properties were measured using nanoindentation and microhardness methods, where the Young's modulus for Ti-33Nb-3Ga and Ti-33Nb-5Ga was found to be 75.4 ± 2.4 and 67.2 ± 1.6 GPa, respectively, a significant reduction of 37% and 44% with respect to Ti-6Al-4V. This reduction helps address the disproportionate Young's modulus between titanium implant components and cortical bone. Importantly, both alloys successfully achieved superior antimicrobial properties against Gram-negative P. aeruginosa and Gram-positive S. aureus bacteria. Antibacterial efficacy was noted at up to 90 ± 5% for the 3 wt% alloy and 95 ± 3% for the 5 wt% alloy. These findings signify a substantial enhancement of the antimicrobial performance when compared to Ti-6Al-4V which exhibited very small rates (up to 6.3 ± 1.5%). No cytotoxicity was observed in hGF cell lines over 24 h. Cell morphology and cytoskeleton distribution appeared to depict typical morphology with a prominent nucleus, elongated fibroblastic spindle-shaped morphology, and F-actin filamentous stress fibres in a well-defined structure of parallel bundles along the cellular axis. The developed alloys in this work have shown very promising results and are suggested to be further examined towards the use of orthopaedic implant components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhianna McHendrie
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Tonsley, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Ngoc Huu Nguyen
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Manh Tuong Nguyen
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Khosro Fallahnezhad
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Tonsley, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Krasimir Vasilev
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Vi Khanh Truong
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Reza Hashemi
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Tonsley, SA 5042, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Truong VK, Hayles A, Bright R, Luu TQ, Dickey MD, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Vasilev K. Gallium Liquid Metal: Nanotoolbox for Antimicrobial Applications. ACS NANO 2023; 17:14406-14423. [PMID: 37506260 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The proliferation of drug resistance in microbial pathogens poses a significant threat to human health. Hence, treatment measures are essential to surmount this growing problem. In this context, liquid metal nanoparticles are promising. Gallium, a post-transition metal notable for being a liquid at physiological temperature, has drawn attention for its distinctive properties, high antimicrobial efficacy, and low toxicity. Moreover, gallium nanoparticles demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties in immune cells. Gallium can alloy with other metals and be prepared in various composites to modify and tailor its characteristics and functionality. More importantly, the bactericidal mechanism of gallium liquid metal could sidestep the threat of emerging drug resistance mechanisms. Building on this rationale, gallium-based liquid metal nanoparticles can enable impactful and innovative strategic pathways in the battle against antimicrobial resistance. This review outlines the characteristics of gallium-based liquid metals at the nanoscale and their corresponding antimicrobial mechanisms to provide a comprehensive yet succinct overview of their current antimicrobial applications. In addition, challenges and opportunities that require further research efforts have been identified and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vi Khanh Truong
- Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Andrew Hayles
- Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Richard Bright
- Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Trong Quan Luu
- Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Krasimir Vasilev
- Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Feig VR, Remlova E, Muller B, Kuosmanen JLP, Lal N, Ginzburg A, Nan K, Patel A, Jebran AM, Bantwal MP, Fabian N, Ishida K, Jenkins J, Rosenboom JG, Park S, Madani W, Hayward A, Traverso G. Actively Triggerable Metals via Liquid Metal Embrittlement for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2208227. [PMID: 36321332 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Actively triggerable materials, which break down upon introduction of an exogenous stimulus, enable precise control over the lifetime of biomedical technologies, as well as adaptation to unforeseen circumstances, such as changes to an established treatment plan. Yet, most actively triggerable materials are low-strength polymers and hydrogels with limited long-term durability. By contrast, metals possess advantageous functional properties, including high mechanical strength and conductivity, that are desirable across several applications within biomedicine. To realize actively triggerable metals, a mechanism called liquid metal embrittlement is leveraged, in which certain liquid metals penetrate the grain boundaries of certain solid metals and cause them to dramatically weaken or disintegrate. In this work, it is demonstrated that eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn), a biocompatible alloy of gallium, can be formulated to reproducibly trigger the breakdown of aluminum within different physiologically relevant environments. The breakdown behavior of aluminum after triggering can further be readily controlled by manipulating its grain structure. Finally, three possible use cases of biomedical devices constructed from actively triggerable metals are demonstrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivian R Feig
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Eva Remlova
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Universitätstrasse 2, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Muller
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Johannes L P Kuosmanen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Nikhil Lal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Anna Ginzburg
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kewang Nan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ashka Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ahmad Mujtaba Jebran
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Meghana Prabhu Bantwal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Niora Fabian
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Keiko Ishida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Joshua Jenkins
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jan-Georg Rosenboom
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sanghyun Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Wiam Madani
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Alison Hayward
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Giovanni Traverso
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen S, Zhao R, Sun X, Wang H, Li L, Liu J. Toxicity and Biocompatibility of Liquid Metals. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2201924. [PMID: 36314401 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Recently, room-temperature liquid metals have attracted increasing attention from researchers owing to their excellent material properties. Systematic interpretation of the potential toxicity issues involved is essential for a wide range of applications, especially in the biomedical and healthcare fields. However, even with the exponential growth of related studies, investigation of the toxicological impact and possible hazards of liquid metals to organisms is still in its infancy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current frontier of knowledge on liquid metal toxicology and biocompatibility in different environments. Based on recent studies, this review focuses on Ga and Bi-based in different states. It is necessary to evaluate their toxicity considering the rapid increase in research and utilization of such liquid metal composites. Finally, existing challenges are discussed and suggestions are provided for further investigation of liquid metal toxicology to clarify the toxicological mechanisms and strategies are provided to avoid adverse effects. In addition to resolving the doubts of public concern about the toxicity of liquid metals, this review is expected to promote the healthy and sustainable development of liquid metal-based materials and their use in diverse areas, especially those related to health care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sen Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ruiqi Zhao
- Beijing Key Lab of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xuyang Sun
- School of Medicine Engineering, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongzhang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lei Li
- Beijing Key Lab of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Beijing Key Lab of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Amara U, Hussain I, Ahmad M, Mahmood K, Zhang K. 2D MXene-Based Biosensing: A Review. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205249. [PMID: 36412074 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
MXene emerged as decent 2D material and has been exploited for numerous applications in the last decade. The remunerations of the ideal metallic conductivity, optical absorbance, mechanical stability, higher heterogeneous electron transfer rate, and good redox capability have made MXene a potential candidate for biosensing applications. The hydrophilic nature, biocompatibility, antifouling, and anti-toxicity properties have opened avenues for MXene to perform in vitro and in vivo analysis. In this review, the concept, operating principle, detailed mechanism, and characteristic properties are comprehensively assessed and compiled along with breakthroughs in MXene fabrication and conjugation strategies for the development of unique electrochemical and optical biosensors. Further, the current challenges are summarized and suggested future aspects. This review article is believed to shed some light on the development of MXene for biosensing and will open new opportunities for the future advanced translational application of MXene bioassays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Umay Amara
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Iftikhar Hussain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Muhmmad Ahmad
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Khalid Mahmood
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Kaili Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pham DQ, Gangadoo S, Berndt CC, Chapman J, Zhai J, Vasilev K, Truong VK, Ang ASM. Antibacterial Longevity of a Novel Gallium Liquid Metal/Hydroxyapatite Composite Coating Fabricated by Plasma Spray. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:18974-18988. [PMID: 35416647 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c03695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxyapatite (HAp)-coated metallic implants are known for their excellent bioactivity and osteoconductivity. However, infections associated with the microstructure of the HAp coatings may lead to implant failures as well as increased morbidity and mortality. This work addresses the concerns about infections by developing novel composite coatings of HAp and gallium liquid metal (GaLM) using atmospheric plasma spray (APS) as the coating technique. Five weight percent Ga was mixed into a commercially supplied HAp powder using an orbital shaker; then, the HAp-Ga particle feedstock was coated onto Ti6Al4V substrates using the APS technique. The X-ray diffraction results indicated that Ga did not form any Ga-related phases in either the HAp-Ga powder or the respective coating. The GaLM filled the pores of the HAp coating presented both on the top surface and within the coating, especially at voids and cracks, to prevent failures of the coating at these locations. The wettability of the surface was changed from hydrophobic for the HAp coating to hydrophilic for the HAp-Ga composite coating. Finally, the HAp-Ga coating presented excellent antibacterial efficacies against both initial attachments and established biofilms generated from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 18 h and 7 days of incubation in comparison to the control HAp coating. This study shows that GaLM improves the antibacterial properties of HAp-based coatings without sacrificing the beneficial properties of conventional HAp coatings. Thus, the HAp-Ga APS coating is a viable candidate for antibacterial coatings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duy Quang Pham
- ARC Training Centre for Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM), Department of Mechanical Engineering & Product Design Engineering, School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Sheeana Gangadoo
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Christopher C Berndt
- ARC Training Centre for Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM), Department of Mechanical Engineering & Product Design Engineering, School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - James Chapman
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Jiali Zhai
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Krasimir Vasilev
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Vi Khanh Truong
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Andrew S M Ang
- ARC Training Centre for Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM), Department of Mechanical Engineering & Product Design Engineering, School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| |
Collapse
|