Nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) were added to poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), and PCL/ZnO casting films were produced, afterwards films were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Additionally, antimicrobial and cytotoxic parameters were determined using microbial adhesion testing according to JIS Z 2801: 2000 (E) and agar diffusion method according to ISO 10993-5 2009, respectively. From collected data, the chemical identity of individual components was kept and the surface control could be achieved changing the composition. According to FTIR spectra and using the Lambert-Beer law higher interaction ratios were met for higher ZnO content which is linked to antimicrobial action. As revealed by AFM analysis, at 5% of ZnO, nanoparticles were well dispersed in PCL matrix with uniform surface film. Analyses from antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity suggested pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus growth was hindered in ZnO films; specifically for PCL/ZnO 5% optimal antibacterial activity and toxicity absent were reached. Summing up, PCL/ZnO5% nanocomposites films offer great potential for commercial applications as active food packaging.

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The hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a ceramic biomaterial with wide application in the bone regeneration. It can be obtained by different routes and different precursors. In this study, the synthesis of HAp was carried out by precipitation and subsequent thermal treatment using different calcium precursors: calcium hydroxide from synthetic origin and calcium oxide obtained from the eggshell. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. By SEM, variations of the crystal size and the concentration of agglomerates were observed. FTIR and XRD analyses proved the formation of HAp and how the (mineral and biological) precursors affected the microstructure. The thermal decomposition process of the calcium oxide obtained from the eggshell showed to be more effective for the synthesis of the hydroxyapatite, resulting in more stable morphology and microstructure.

The objective of this work was to produce brushite cement for orthopedic applications, based on the system wollastonite/phosphoric acid with the incorporation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a setting and processing additive. Brushite/PEG cement was obtained by the dissolution-precipitation method and its physicochemical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, compressive strength, porosimetry, and biological behavior (cell adhesion and bioactivity tests). The results indicated the formation of brushite cement with 21.4 MPa of compressive strength and 30% porosity, similar to human trabecular bone. The surface was shown to be adequate for cell adhesion and growth and bioactive with the formation of apatite layers. The incorporation of PEG improved working conditions without causing undesirable changes in the physicochemical properties and biological behavior of developed cement, thus promising for the repair of bone tissue injuries.

Medicine seeks increasingly to treat problems related to bone regeneration and tissue in order to minimize surgical trauma and some bone diseases. The technology advancement in the biomaterials field allows develop materials that assist in reconstructive procedures of body parts and increase treatments improving the life quality of human beings. Due to the biodegradability, biocompatibility and biofunctionality characteristics, chitosan has attracted attention of researchers in order to obtain new materials. Its unique features promote the incorporation of other materials such as calcium phosphate ceramics which are used in this bone replacement and bone regeneration due to submit biocompatibility, bioactivity, osteoconductivity in addition to allowing the bone cells proliferation, collagen and proteins in their surfaces, thus allowing tissue regeneration. This study aimed to develop biodegradable chitosan membranes with 1%, 3% and 5% calcium phosphate for use in bone regeneration. The composites were prepared and Characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and angle contact wettability. The results indicates the composite formation and show an increased crystallinity in the chitosan membrane through the phosphate incorporation, besides confirming the composites hydrophilicity. Preliminary results indicates that the composite is a promising biomaterial.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been prominent in orthopedic implants; however, it is inert, preventing interaction between the implant and adjacent bone tissues. One way to overcome this characteristic is physical modification its on surface by particle leaching promoting greater osseointegration. The objective of this research was to develop and characterize the PEEK using a surface modification technique via particle leaching. For of the samples, a layer deposition of NaCl was used on PEEK. This was subjected to the pressure of 850 kg/cm2 by 390ºC for 20 minutes. After cooling, were subjected to leaching process particles. The results indicated a porous surface exhibiting uniform and homogeneous morphology with defined pores interconected, to in the range of 140-373 µm, with an average diameter of 273 µm. These evidenced the considerable NaCl removal after the leaching process, with cavities from ideal sizes which promotes adequate cellular accommodation and distinct roughness, giving an overall possibility of being able to obtain a material more able to receive the cells while also possibly presenting cell viability. Although the compressive strength presented low values, it can still be suitable for applications in areas with a reduced modulus of elasticity.

O eletrodo é um dispositivo produzido em diferentes formas e materiais que constituem os sensores e biossensores, que devem atuar com mínima variação para avaliar reações e interações químicas especificas, produzidos por diferentes técnicas, dentre elas a eletrodeposição aplicada na nano, bio e microtecnologia. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do tratamento térmico após a eletrodeposição do antimônio em fitas de aço inox. As amostras foram preparadas utilizando o processo de eletrodeposição há 0,1, 0,3 e 0,5 amperes, em solução aquosa de tartarato de antimônio (III) e potássio hidratado, posteriormente, separou-se em dois grupos, o primeiro foi submetido ao aquecimento a uma taxa de 10 °C/min até 550 °C por um período de 1h e o segundo grupo não foi submetido ao processo de aquecimento. As amostras foram caracterizadas por Microscopia Óptica (MO), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e Difração de raios X (DRX). As microscopias MO e MEV indicaram modificações da superfície e as DRX alterações de fases cristalina e tamanho de cristalitos, conforme as condições de eletrodeposição e pelo efeito do tratamento térmico aplicado.

RESUMO O elevado número de pacientes com problemas de saúde por doenças ósseas ou traumas tem promovido o desenvolvimento de pesquisas em biomateriais de modo a garantir uma melhor qualidade de vida. Dentre os diversos biomateriais, os cimentos ósseos poliméricos (PMMA) ou cerâmicos (fosfatos e silicatos de cálcio) destacam-se para aplicações em cirurgias ortopédicas e odontológicas, tais como: reconstrução óssea, artoplastia. Diante do exposto o objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar a influência da incorporação de fosfatos de cálcio (β-TCP (amostra 1 -A1) e hidroxiapatita – HAp (amostra 2 – A2) na proporção de 2% (m/m) para a formação de cimento ósseo de silicato de cálcio (wollastonita/brushita) pelo método de dissolução/precipitação. A mistura do pó (wollastonita) foi homogeneizada, posteriormente uma solução de ácido fosfórico adicionada para formação do cimento ósseo, foram colocadas em um molde de teflon baseado com a norma ABNT NBR ISO 5833, e finalmente deixados a 25ºC por 24 horas obtendo os corpos de prova. A análise por DRX das amostras indicaram a presença das fases cristalinas do fosfato de cálcio (β-TCP e HAp) e silicato de cálcio (wollastonita e Brushita). As imagens das amostras por MEV apresentaram tamanho de partículas características da wollastonita/brushita/HAp/β-TCP. Foi realizado uma análise granulométrica a partir das micrografias, onde se observou que a incorporação dos fosfatos influencio na aglomeração dos tamanhos das partículas quando comparados ao cimento ósseo puro. O ensaio de compressão indica que a incorporação dos fosfatos melhora a propriedade mecânica, devido à redução das partículas o qual provoca uma maior compactação. Conclui-se que a A2 com a incorporação da HAp essa melhora da resistência mecânica foi mais intensa em relação a A1, no entanto, às duas amostras tiveram melhorias significativas em comparação ao cimento ósseo de silicato de cálcio.