"MESOGEL 20-21" PROTECT HIM DESCRIPTION In this research project, nanostructured and mesostructured antibacterial coatings will be developed on Ti-6Al-4V alloys, which is the most widely used material for the manufacture of prostheses due to its resistance to corrosion, good mechanical properties and great biocompatibility. 2.5 million hip and knee implants are implanted each year. One of the main problems with prosthetic implantation is the infection processes that take place in approximately 2 percent of cases. This supposes a great economic damage by having to replace the implant, in addition to the need for new surgical procedures; what affects the quality of life of the patient. For this reason, this research project aims to solve this problem through the development of nanostructured and mesostructured antibacterial coatings. For this, TiO2 nanotube coatings will be generated using the anodizing technique and nano and mesostructured coatings using the sol-gel technique. Bactericidal agents (mainly Ag nanoparticles) will be introduced into the pores generated in these nano / mesostructures to minimize the possible risk of infections. The pores will be sealed by molecular gates, which will allow a controlled release when a certain stimulus is given (pH, temperature, etc.). OBJECTIVES The objective of the project is to develop nano and mesostructured coatings with antibacterial functionality on TiAl6V4 prostheses to reduce the incidence of joint prosthesis infection. The general objective will be achieved from the following specific objectives: 1.Evaluate the best surface treatment so that the coating is properly fixed on the surface of the metal parts. 2. Development of TiO2 nanotube coatings by anodizing technique. 3. Development of nano and mesostructured coatings using the sol-gel technique. 4.Introduction of bactericidal agents into the pores generated. 5.Evaluation of the release of Ag + (or other bactericidal agents) over time to determine their possible bactericidal efficacy. It is intended to achieve a progressive and prolonged release of Ag +, in such a way that the bactericidal effect remains for more than 30 days. 6. In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the coatings against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. 7. Evaluate the best coating synthesis method among various sol-gel synthesis routes. Project Number: 22000054 Grant Agreement: IMDEEA / 2020/33 Duration: From 01/07/2020 to 30/09/2021 Coordinated in AIDIMME by: BOSCH MOSSI, FRANCISCO R&D Line: MODIFIED SURFACES EXPLANATORY VIDEO RESULTS OBTAINED Year 2021: During the development of the project, different coatings have been synthesized on solid Titanium pieces and Titanium pieces obtained by additive manufacturing with a solid structure and a mesh-like porous structure. Two types of coatings have been carried out on these pieces, one mesostructured using sol-gel technology based on the incorporation of mesoporous silica and another nanostructured coating of TiO2 on the different Ti6Al4V specimens using electrochemical oxidation technology generating a structure of nanotubes of titanium. The antibacterial functionality has been provided by silver nanoparticles generated in-situ during the synthesis of the coatings. The incorporation of silver as a bactericide has been carried out by chemical, thermal and electrochemical techniques. In addition, the incorporation of molecular gate technology as a pore sealant and a controlled silver release system has been studied. In this way, it has been shown that it led to a greater prolongation of its bactericidal effect in relation to samples that were not sealed. In samples with molecular gates, silver is only released when it receives an external stimulus, so the bactericidal efficacy is greater compared to those that are not sealed with molecular gates. The antibacterial efficacy of silver has been evaluated both in sol-gel coatings and in coatings of titanium nanotubes with and without molecular gates in the mesopores and nanopores respectively. The best coatings synthesized during the Project have been tested against different bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and bacterial activity reductions of 99.9% were obtained, which demonstrates the efficacy of the coatings developed. Finally, it was shown that the release of Ag occurs mainly in the first 2/3 days, with a lower release but continued for more than 40 days. Deliverables:    Year 2021: During the development of the project, different coatings have been synthesized on solid Titanium pieces and Titanium pieces obtained by additive manufacturing with a solid structure and a mesh-like porous structure. Two types of coatings have been carried out on these pieces, one mesostructured using sol-gel technology based on the incorporation of mesoporous silica and another nanostructured coating of TiO2 on the different Ti6Al4V specimens using electrochemical oxidation technology generating a structure of nanotubes of titanium. The antibacterial functionality has been provided by silver nanoparticles generated in-situ during the synthesis of the coatings. The incorporation of silver as a bactericide has been carried out by chemical, thermal and electrochemical techniques. In addition, the incorporation of molecular gate technology as a pore sealant and a controlled silver release system has been studied. In this way, it has been shown that it led to a greater prolongation of its bactericidal effect in relation to samples that were not sealed. In samples with molecular gates, silver is only released when it receives an external stimulus, so the bactericidal efficacy is greater compared to those that are not sealed with molecular gates. The antibacterial efficacy of silver has been evaluated both in sol-gel coatings and in coatings of titanium nanotubes with and without molecular gates in the mesopores and nanopores respectively. The best coatings synthesized during the Project have been tested against different bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and bacterial activity reductions of 99.9% were obtained, which demonstrates the efficacy of the coatings developed. Finally, it was shown that the release of Ag occurs mainly in the first 2/3 days, with a lower release but continued for more than 40 days. Deliverables:    Year 2021: During the development of the project, different coatings have been synthesized on solid Titanium pieces and Titanium pieces obtained by additive manufacturing with a solid structure and a mesh-like porous structure. Two types of coatings have been carried out on these pieces, one mesostructured using sol-gel technology based on the incorporation of mesoporous silica and another nanostructured coating of TiO2 on the different Ti6Al4V specimens using electrochemical oxidation technology generating a structure of nanotubes of titanium. The antibacterial functionality has been provided by silver nanoparticles generated in-situ during the synthesis of the coatings. The incorporation of silver as a bactericide has been carried out by chemical, thermal and electrochemical techniques. In addition, the incorporation of molecular gate technology as a pore sealant and a controlled silver release system has been studied. In this way, it has been shown that it led to a greater prolongation of its bactericidal effect in relation to samples that were not sealed. In samples with molecular gates, silver is only released when it receives an external stimulus, so the bactericidal efficacy is greater compared to those that are not sealed with molecular gates. The antibacterial efficacy of silver has been evaluated both in sol-gel coatings and in coatings of titanium nanotubes with and without molecular gates in the mesopores and nanopores respectively. The best coatings synthesized during the Project have been tested against different bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and bacterial activity reductions of 99.9% were obtained, which demonstrates the efficacy of the coatings developed. Finally, it was shown that the release of Ag occurs mainly in the first 2/3 days, with a lower release but continued for more than 40 days. Deliverables:    Year 2021: Until now, the MESOGEL project has been developing nanostructured layers from the anodizing of Ti6Al4V pieces. We have worked with both commercial solid parts, as well as parts obtained through additive manufacturing at AIDIMME. It has been possible to observe the formation of nanopores or nanotubes of TiO2 depending on the applied conditions and the starting base material. The size of the pores and nanotubes can be modulated and varies between 15 nm and 100 nm, depending on the anodizing conditions. Another technique used in the project is sol-gel technology. By means of this technique, pore sizes of about 4 nm have been achieved in the developed coatings. In order to observe these mesostructures, it was necessary to use a high resolution field effect electron microscope (HRFESEM). PUBLISHED NEWS general broadcast https://actualidad.aidimme.es/2021/09/08/difusion-y-tran (...) https://actualidad.aidimme.es/2021/06/02/reuniones-para- (...) https://actualidad.aidimme.es/2020/07/16/aidimme-nuevos- (...) https://actualidad.aidimme.es/2020/12/30/especial-difusi (...) Technical dissemination, transfer https://actualidad.aidimme.es/2021/03/04/aidimme-trabaja (...) GRANT 164.250 € TARGET AUDIENCE AND IMPACT MEASUREMENT 3549 Access to the project website 7625 Access to news published on own websites. Total Accesses: 11174 Objective Sectors by CNAE CNAE: 2561 - Treatment and coating of metals - Number of target companies: 102 (62 from the Valencian Community) Objective Sectors by Activity METAL INDUSTRY - Number of target companies: 91 (41 of the Valencian Community) TRACTOR COMPANIES Thanks to its support and signature of the "declaration of participation" the project has been funded. SURGIVAL CO, SAU TEQUIR, SL COMPANIES DIFFUSION R&D PROJECTS They want to know first-hand the evolution of the project, and its progress to the final result. COMPANIES TRANSFER KNOWLEDGE They will implement technologies, develop strategies or look for new models based on the results.