Source code and simulation data for the prediction of the electrodeposition mechanism of nanostructured metallic coatings

This data article presents a simulation model based on quantum mechanics and energy potentials for obtaining simulation data that allows, from the perspective of materials informatics, the prediction of the electrodeposition mechanism for forming nanostructured metallic coatings. The development of the research is divided into two parts i) the formulation (Quantum mechanical model and Corrected model for electron prediction; using a modified Schrödinger equation) and ii) the implementation of the theoretical prediction model (Discretization of the model). For the simulation process, the finite element method (FEM) was used considering the equation of electric potential and electroneutrality with and without the inclusion of quantum leap. We also provide the code to perform QM simulations in CUDA®, and COMSOL® software, the simulation parameters, and data for two metallic arrangements of chromium nanoparticles (CrNPs) electrodeposited on commercial steel substrate. (CrNPs-AISI 1020 steel and CrNPs-A618 steel). Data collection shows the direct relationship between applied potential (V_DC), current (A), concentration (ppm), and time (s) for the homogeneous formation of the coating during the electrodeposition process, as estimated by the theoretical model developed. Their potential reuse data is done to establish the precision of the theoretical model in predicting the formation and growth of nanostructured surface coatings with metallic nanoparticles to give surface-mechanical properties.

Photobiocidal-triboelectric nanolayer coating of photosensitizer/silica-alumina for reusable and visible-light-driven antibacterial/antiviral air filters

Outbreaks of airborne pathogens pose a major threat to public health. Here we present a single-step nanocoating process to endow commercial face mask filters with photobiocidal activity, triboelectric filtration capability, and washability. These functions were successfully achieved with a composite nanolayer of silica-alumina (Si-Al) sol-gel, crystal violet (CV) photosensitizer, and hydrophobic electronegative molecules of 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFOTES). The transparent Si-Al matrix strongly immobilized the photosensitizer molecules while dispersing them spatially, thus suppressing self-quenching. During nanolayer formation, PFOTES was anisotropically rearranged on the Si-Al matrix, promoting moisture resistance and triboelectric charging of the Si-Al/PFOTES-CV (SAPC)-coated filter. The SAPC nanolayer stabilized the photoexcited state of the photosensitizer and promoted redox reaction. Compared to pure-photosensitizer-coated filters, the SAPC filter showed substantially higher photobiocidal efficiency (∼99.99 % for bacteria and a virus) and photodurability (∼83 % reduction in bactericidal efficiency for the pure-photosensitizer filter but ∼0.34 % for the SAPC filter after 72 h of light irradiation). Moreover, after five washes with detergent, the SAPC filter maintained its photobiocidal and filtration performance, proving its reusability potential. Therefore, this SAPC nanolayer coating provides a practical strategy for manufacturing an antimicrobial and reusable mask filter for use during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Antimicrobial properties of dental cements modified with zein-coated magnesium oxide nanoparticles

The aim of this study was to test the antimicrobial properties of dental cements modified with magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles. Zein-modified MgO nanoparticles (zMgO) in concentrations (0.0, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0%) were mixed with dental cements (Fuji II, Rely X Temp E, Ionoglass Cem, Es Temp NE, and System P link). Eight discs were fabricated from each zMgO-cement pair for a total of 32 specimens for each cement. Characterization of the dental cements incorporating zMgO was done by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The antimicrobial properties of the mixtures were tested using direct contact and agar diffusion assays against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. Data was analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and LSD post hoc test at 0.05 significance level. XRD spectra showed sharp peaks of zMgO indicating its high crystalline nature, while the amorphous dental cements with zMgO had broad peaks. FESEM analysis showed a uniform distribution of the zMgO nanoparticles in the cement. There were significant inhibition zone values associated with all concentrations of zMgO-cement mixtures tested compared to controls (p < 0.001) with a dose-response recorded only with Fuji II. Optical density values were significantly lower in zMgO groups compared to controls for all microorganisms. The effect was most prominent with Rely X against C. albicans and S. aureus. Dental cements containing zMgO showed significant antimicrobial properties that were dependent on the specific initial cement substrate.

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Antimicrobial nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in dental materials to improve their biological properties.

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Magnesium Oxide (MgO) NPs are novel antimicrobial agents.

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Incorporation of MgO NPs in dental cements aids in minimizing bacterial colonization at the restoration margin.

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Zein polymer facilitates the dispersion of MgO NPs and avoid its agglomeration.

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Zein polymer effectively enhances the performance of MgO NPs.

Nanotechnology applications for cardiovascular disease treatment: Current and future perspectives

A large majority of cardiovascular nanomedicine research has focused on fabricating designer nanoparticles for improved targeting as a means to overcome biological barriers. For cardiac related disorders, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and myocardial infarction, designer micro or nanoparticles are often administered into the vasculature or targeted vessel with the hope to circumvent problems associated with conventional drug delivery, including negative systemic side effects. Additionally, novel nano-drug carriers that enter circulation can be selectively uptaken by immune cells with the intended purpose that they modulate inflammatory processes and migrate locally to plaque for therapeutic payload delivery. Indeed, innovative design in nanoparticle composition, formulation, and functionalization has advanced the field as a means to achieve therapeutic efficacy for a variety of cardiac disease indications. This perspective aims to discuss these advances and provide new interpretations of how nanotechnology can be best applied to aid in cardiovascular disease treatment. In an effort to spark discussions on where the field of research should go, we share our outlook in new areas of nanotechnological inclusion and integration, such as in vascular, implantable, or wearable device technologies as well as nanocomposites and nanocoatings. Further, as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) increasingly claim a number of lives globally, we propose more attention should be placed by researchers on nanotechnological approaches for risk factor treatment to aid in early prevention and treatment of CVD.

Nanotechnology in dentistry: Present and future perspectives on dental nanomaterials

OBJECTIVES

The number of dental nanomaterials has increased significantly over the past years. A variety of commercial dental nanomaterials are available and researched. Nevertheless, how these nanomaterials work, what makes them special and whether they are superior to traditional dental materials is not always clear to dentists and researchers. The objective of this review paper is, therefore, to give an overview of the principles of nanomaterials and basic research and applications of dental nanomaterials.

METHODS

The fundamentals of materials science of nanomaterials as well as their advantages and disadvantages are elaborated. The most important dental nanomaterials are discussed. This is mainly based on a survey of the literature and a review of the most frequently cited scientific papers in the international peer reviewed journal Dental Materials over the past five years. The developments of commercial dental nanomaterials as well as aspects of their clinical use are considered in this review.

RESULTS

Nanomaterials have unique structures and properties that distinguish them from other materials. The journal Dental Materials is the journal with the highest numbers of articles and citations on the subject of dental nanomaterials. The most frequently reported dental nanomaterials are nanocomposites, nanoparticles, antimicrobial nanomaterials and bio-mineralization systems. Hallmarks of dental nanomaterials include a set of unique properties and challenges in the preparation of these materials.

SIGNIFICANCE

By understanding the physical principles of dental nanomaterials, their strengths, limitations and their specific benefits will be better appreciated. Dental nanomaterials have potential for the future but currently do not always exhibit superior properties, for example in clinical situations.

Surface Treatments to Enhance the Functionality of PPEs

The outbreak of unknown viral pneumonia in Wuhan China in December 2019 led to a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which attracted worldwide attention, with the related COVID-19 disease quickly becoming a global pandemic. In about 5 months, this disease has led to ~ 4 million cases and claimed more than 200 k deaths as a result of its highly contagious nature. The present understanding is that SARS-CoV-2 is a type of influenza virus that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets and aerosols; Lewis (Nature 580:175, 2020). The primary methodology to prevent the spreading of this disease has been "social distancing" and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) at the front lines of healthcare and other critical operations. The scale of the disease has led to unprecedented demand for PPEs and increased functionality of the same. This paper focuses on improving PPE functionality in a scalable manner by surface treatment and coating with appropriate materials and other functional enhancements, such as exposure to UV rays or other sterilizing agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide).

Graphene oxide/waterborne polyurethane nanocoatings: effects of graphene oxide content on performance properties

Graphene oxide (GO) is a good nanofiller candidate for waterborne coatings because of its outstanding physical and mechanical properties, good dispersibility in water, and low cost relative to graphene. Here, we report on the performance of a one-part, waterborne polyurethane (WPU) nanocoating formulated with four different GO loadings ([0.4% to 2.0%] by mass). The degree of GO dispersion/adhesion was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and Raman microscopy. Nanocoating performance was evaluated using a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer for mechanical properties, a customized coulometric permeation apparatus for oxygen barrier properties, a combustion microcalorimeter for flammability, a hot disk analyzer for thermal conductivity, thermogravimetric analysis for thermal stability, and a moisture sorption analyzer for water uptake. The results show that GO sheets were well dispersed in, and have good adhesion to, WPU. At the higher mass loadings ([1.2% or 2%] by mass), GO increased the modulus and yield strength of WPU by 300% and 200%, respectively, increased the thermal conductivity by 38%, reduced the burning heat release rate (flammability) by 43%, and reduced the oxygen permeability by up to sevenfold. The presence of GO, however, increased water vapor uptake at high humidity; the moisture content of 2% mass loading GO/WPU nanocoatings at 90% RH was almost twice that of the moisture content for unfilled WPU. Overall, with the exception of water uptake at very high humidity (> 70% RH), the observed improvements in physical and mechanical properties combined with the ease of processing suggest that GO is a viable nanofiller for WPU coatings.

Cell armor for protection against environmental stress: Advances, challenges and applications in micro- and nanoencapsulation of mammalian cells

Unlike unicellular organisms and plant cells surrounded with a cell wall, naked plasma membranes of mammalian cells make them more susceptible to environmental stresses encountered during in vitro biofabrication and in vivo cell therapy applications. Recent advances in micro- and nanoencapsulation of single mammalian cells provide an effective strategy to isolate cells from their surroundings and protect them against harsh environmental conditions. Microemulsification and droplet-based microfluidics have enabled researchers to encapsulate single cells within a variety of microscale hydrogel materials with a range of biochemical and mechanical properties and functionalities including enhanced cell-matrix interactions or on-demand degradation. In addition to microcapsules, nanocoatings of various organic and inorganic substances on mammalian cells have allowed for the formation of protective shells. A wide range of synthetic and natural polymers, minerals and supramolecular metal-organic complexes have been deposited as nanolayers on the cells via electrostatic interactions, receptor-ligand binding, non-specific interactions, and in situ polymerization/crosslinking. Here, current strategies in encapsulation of single mammalian cells along with challenges and advances are reviewed. Protection of encapsulated stem cells, fibroblasts, red and white blood cells and cancer cells against harsh in vitro and in vivo conditions including anoikis, UV radiation, physical forces, proteolytic enzymes and immune clearance are discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The mechanical fragility of the plasma membrane and susceptibility to extracellular biochemical factors due to the lack of a physical barrier like a tough cell wall or exoskeleton make mammalian cells extra sensitive to harsh environmental conditions. This sensitively, in turn, limits the ex vivo storage, handling and manipulation of mammalian cells, as well as their in vivo applications. Environmental stresses such as exposure to UV, reactive chemicals and mechanical stress during biofabrication processes like 3D bioprinting can often compromise cell viability and function. Micro- and nanoencapsulation of single mammalian cells in protective shells have emerged as promising approaches to isolate cells from their surroundings and enhance resistance against perturbations in conditions during regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. In this review, the current state of art of single cell encapsulation strategies and the challenges associated with these technologies are discussed in detail. This is followed by the review of the protection provided by cell armor against a range of harsh in vitro and in vivo conditions.

Multilayer nanoscale functionalization to treat disorders and enhance regeneration of bone tissue

The coatings application onto medical devices has experienced a continuous growth in the last few years. Medical device coating market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.16% to reach USD 10 million by 2023 due to the increasing geriatric population and the growing demand for continuous innovation. Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly represents a versatile method to modify the surface properties, in order to control cell interaction and thus enhance biological functions. Furthermore, LbL is environmentally friendly, able to coat all types of surfaces with the creation of homogenous film and to include and control the release of biomolecules/drugs. This feature review provides a critical overview on recent progresses in functionalizing materials by LbL assembly for bone regeneration and disorder treatment. An overview of emerging and visionary opportunities on LbL technologies and further combination with other existing methods used in biomedical field, is also discussed to evidence the new challenges and potential developments in bone regenerative medicine.

Electrochemical Behavior and Electrodeposition of Nanostructured Rhodium from Low-Temperature Carbamide and Acetamide Containing Melts

The electrochemical behavior of rhodium at low-temperature carbamide-chloride and acetamide-chloride melts was investigated. It was found that, during rhodium anodic dissolution in carbamide and acetamide containing chloride melts, mixed complexes [Rh(NH₃)₄Cl₂]⁺ of quasi-octahedral symmetry D_4h are produced. The composition and structure of nascent complex ions have been studied. During electrochemical reduction of [Rh(NH₃)₄Cl₂]⁺ complexes, the synthesis of Rh nanoparticles, as well as Fe, Cu, and Mo nanocoatings, were realized.

Osteoblastic response to pectin nanocoating on titanium surfaces

Osseointegration of titanium implants can be improved by organic and inorganic nanocoating of the surface. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of organic nanocoating of titanium surface with unmodified and modified pectin Rhamnogalacturonan-Is (RG-Is) isolated from potato and apple with respect to surface properties and osteogenic response in osteoblastic cells. Nanocoatings on titanium surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effect of coated RG-Is on cell adhesion, cell viability, bone matrix formation and mineralization was tested using SaOS-2 cells. Nanocoating with pectin RG-Is affected surface properties and in consequence changed the environment for cellular response. The cells cultured on surfaces coated with RG-Is from potato with high content of linear 1.4-linked galactose produced higher level of mineralized matrix compared with control surfaces and surfaces coated with RG-I with low content of linear 1.4-linked galactose. The study showed that the pectin RG-Is nanocoating not only changed chemical and physical titanium surface properties, but also specific coating with RG-Is containing high amount of galactan increased mineralized matrix formation of osteoblastic cells in vitro.