Development of antibacterial MetAllic Glass mICrofibers

Project Information

MAGIC

Grant agreement ID: 892050

DOI

10.3030/892050

Project closed

EC signature date 23 March 2020

Start date 1 October 2020

End date 19 September 2023

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 171 473,28

EU contribution

€ 171 473,28

Coordinated by

POLITECNICO DI TORINO
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MAGIC (Development of antibacterial MetAllic Glass mICrofibers)

Reporting period: 2020-10-01 to 2022-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The project "MAGIC" addresses the critical issue of infections caused by bacterial biofilm formation on metallic implants in the medical field. This is a significant problem as it often leads to the failure and retrieval of these implants. The importance of this issue for society lies in its direct impact on healthcare, particularly in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance and the high incidence of healthcare-associated infections. The project aims to develop a deeper understanding of the antibacterial mechanisms in Zr-Cu-Ag metallic glasses (MGs), a material recently known for its intrinsic antibacterial properties. The overall objectives of the project are threefold:
• To understand how the chemical composition of Zr-Cu-Ag MGs influences their antibacterial activity.
• To explore the effect of surface energy of these MGs on their antibacterial mechanisms.
• To innovate in the field of biomaterials by fabricating microfibers from these antibacterial MGs, enhancing their applicability in medical devices.
By achieving these objectives, the project seeks to advance the integration of antibacterial metallic glasses in the medical industry, potentially improving the longevity and safety of metallic implants and contributing significantly to public health.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

This research project explored the antibacterial properties of ternary Zr-Cu-Ag alloy thin films and Ti-based bulk metallic glasses for biomedical applications. The Zr-Cu-Ag films, confirmed as amorphous through small-angle X-ray scattering, demonstrated a 95% reduction in bacterial adhesion against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Investigations revealed that their antibacterial properties were not due to chemical composition or ion release, but likely attributed to their superhydrophobic surfaces. The project then expanded to study Ti-based bulk metallic glasses, which showed superior antibacterial properties compared to conventional Ti6Al4V implants. High-resolution X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) analyses indicated that the unique surface nature of these glasses influenced protein attachment. These findings, coupled with thermoplastic forming to enhance biomedical applicability, highlight the potential of both Zr-Cu-Ag thin films and Ti-based bulk metallic glasses in medical applications, especially for their remarkable antibacterial characteristics.

in summary:
1. "Generation of cytocompatible superhydrophobic Zr–Cu–Ag metallic glass coatings with antifouling properties for medical textiles":
• Objective: To develop Zr-Cu-Ag metallic glass thin films with superhydrophobic and antifouling properties for use in medical textiles.
• Methods: Various compositions of Zr-Cu-Ag were prepared using Physical Vapor Deposition on a Polybutylene terephthalate substrate. Surface properties, antifouling capabilities, and cytocompatibility were extensively tested.
• Findings: The coatings demonstrated superhydrophobicity, significant reduction in bacterial adhesion (95%), and high cytocompatibility with human mesenchymal stem cells.
• Conclusion: The study successfully developed Zr-Cu-Ag metallic glass coatings suitable for biomedical applications, combining antibacterial properties and wear resistance.

2. "Antibacterial activity, cytocompatibility, and thermomechanical stability of Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14 bulk metallic glass":
• Objective: To explore Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14 BMG as a material for oral implants, assessing its antibacterial performance and biocompatibility.
• Methods: The study involved thermomechanical shaping, surface wettability analysis, and evaluation of antibacterial properties against oral pathogens.
• Findings: The material showed consistent surface wettability, reduced bacterial viability, and altered biofilm composition, with a hydrophobic copper oxide surface layer enhancing its antibacterial activity.
• Conclusion: Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14-BMG is a promising material for oral implants, offering improved antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility.

3. "Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14 bulk metallic glass as oral implant material":
• Objective: To assess the potential of Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14 BMG for oral implants, focusing on its biocompatibility and the effects of processing techniques.
• Methods: The study utilized high-temperature compression molding to shape and enhance the alloy's properties, examining thermomechanical stability, surface layer formation, corrosion resistance, and cytocompatibility.
• Findings: Processed BMGs showed improved thermomechanical stability and corrosion resistance. The presence of thin oxide layers enhanced cell attachment, indicating improved bioactivity.
• Conclusion: The study highlights the viability of Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14 BMG for oral implants, with processing techniques positively influencing its properties and suitability for biomedical applications.

These results were communicated and presented in various professional communities in international conferences including “surface”, “metallic glass”, “biomaterials”, “smart materials” communities. Besides, the general approach of the project and its results were communicated during the European Research Night with general public. An organized workshop/webinar was also organized on “metallic glasses for biomedical sector” presenting part of these results in “American Ceramic Society” platform. POLITO has also published a success-story on this project and its objectives on its website (Poliflash). A video-interview of the project was also published on Instagram and LinkedIn pages of Elham and POLITO. A local magazine, “Futura”, had also allocated a column to show-case MAGIC project with its readers. During the “Science is Wonderful”, an event jointly organized by European Commission, Elham had the chance to communicate about this project with students of different ages from elementary to high school around Europe.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The outcomes of the project were featured in the esteemed journals MaterialsToday BIO and Materials & Design, renowned for their commitment to publishing groundbreaking research that advances the current state of the art. These publications provided insightful revelations about the intrinsic antibacterial properties of metallic glasses, highlighting the pivotal role of surface properties in controlling both antibacterial effectiveness and cytocompatibility. The significance of these findings extends far beyond academic circles, directly influencing societal health and well-being. This research addresses critical healthcare challenges, particularly the escalating issue of antibiotic resistance and the prevalent concern of healthcare-associated infections. By shedding light on these innovative materials, the project contributes substantially to the development of safer, more effective medical treatments and devices.

Zr-Cu-Ag metallic glass thin films as intrinsically antibacterial surface