BrainMap

Cosmin-Mihai Cotrut

Dr.eng.

Associate Professor - UNIVERSITATEA NAȚIONALĂ DE ȘTIINȚĂ ȘI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREȘTI

Other affiliations

Visiting Professor - Tomsk Polytechnic University (Russian Federation)

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: G-4505-2011

Curriculum Vitae (15/05/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Optimization of human mesenchymal stem cells interaction with innovative biomimetic structures for tissue engineering applications Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-4275 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.biomimcells.eu/

Abstract:

In biomaterials science and bone tissue engineering, improving the biointegration of implants with surrounding tissues for a successful performance represents a major goal. The project aim is to find solutions for increasing tissue regeneration by accelerating the acceptance time between biomaterials and bone, especially of the implants used in poor quality bone or in patients with compromised immune systems.

The proposed solution consists in the optimization of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) interaction with innovative biomimetic structures in order to create and provide a better environment for osteointegration, with more active contact osteogenesis, a more rapid mineral apposition rate and greater osteointegration index values for tissue engineering applications.

The proposed biomimetic hydroxyapatite structures with different morphologies are characterized by tailored in vitro behaviour and improved surface quality, modified at micro level by performing adequate and optimized manufacturing strategies which provides superior osseointegration abilities and reduces local inflammation and reduces risk of implant failure after the first stage of implantation.

At the end of the project, the following objectives will be reached: development of new biomimetic structures for tissue engineering with a significant improved performance and understanding the interaction between biomimetic structures and biological species.

Complex characterization will be performed in terms of: morphology, elemental and phasic composition, chemical bonds, wettability, mechanical properties, electrochemical behaviour and biomineralization ability in acellular media (SBF and DMEM) similar to human media. These will be corroborated with rigorous assays such as: cytocompatibility evaluation, material-cell interface evaluation (cell morphology, adhesion and secretion of ECM components) and MSC differentiation into osteoblasts.

Innovative Strategies for bIoactive/antibacterial advanceD prosthEses Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-M-ISIDE-2 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); Tecnologica (IT); Università della Calabria (IT); Universität Leipzig (DE); Muğgla Sıtkı Koçman University (TR)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.iside-ro.eu/

Abstract:

ISIDE aims at reducing the implant failure risk due to bacterial infection and/or poor osteointegration and/or fit, while avoiding any second surgery.

The new implants' generation will be highly customised and made of a resorbable metal: Magnesium (Mg). The implants will be produced using innovative processes, no more based on the subtractive approach: sheet metal forming processes like Superplastic Forming and Incremental Forming will be used. Mg custom implants will be improved by means of bioactive biofunctionalization aimed to (i) boost the bone formation; (ii) reduce the bacterial infections during healing; (iii) manage the corrosion/degradation time according to the region where the prosthesis is implanted. Potential benefits are mainly related to the improvement of patients' life quality, due to the reduction of the hospitalization time (only 1 surgery and fast production process) and to the improvement of the implants performances (aesthetical and mechanical requirements).

Bioactive, biodegradable and bactericide coatings electrochemically designed on nanostructured titanium based implants Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-1331 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.3b-coated.eu

Abstract:

During the years, the use of orthopedic and dental implants has grown dramatically, due to the increasement in geriatric population. Unfortunately, a large number of patients ends up with rejection of the implant due to infection or low osseointegration that ultimately leads to revision surgery. The nowadays trends are directed towards surface modification - from passive to active - involving the usage of bioactive coatings with balanced osseointegration ability, controlled degradation and antibacterial features to enhance bone tissue growth, thereby assuring early mechanical bone-fixation and increased the service lifetime of the implants.

The aim of to the present proposal is to develop a novel techniques for bioactivation of pure Ti in two stages using electrochemical methods as follows: 1st stage - anodic oxidation of the Ti in order to obtain a nanostructured surface consisting in TiO2-NT and 2nd stage - electrochemically assisted deposition of nanostructured HAp undoped and doped with Mg or/and Zn with enhance bioactivity properties and bactericide effect.

The characterization will be jointly carried out in terms of morphology, elemental and phase composition, chemical bonding, adhesion, wettability, in vitro degradation, bioactivity and electrochemical investigations which will be achieved in biological simulated media (SBF, PBS, DMEM and AS) at 37 °C, mimicking the human environment. In order to evaluate the biocompatibility of the obtained surfaces in vitro cytotoxicity, cells viability and antibacterial activity tests will be performed.

Through the proposed experimental research strategy, enhanced multifunctional surfaces that can effectively balance osseointegration with bactericide features that can be maintained on a long-term can be developed, this being critical for the viability of the implant functionalization technologies.

Next generation antibacterial nanostructured osseointegrated customized vertebral replacement Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-ERANET EURONANOMED 3-NANO-VERTEBRA 2019 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); ISTITUTO ORTOPEDICO RIZZOLI (IT); Instituto Tecnologico de Canarias S.A. (ES); National Taiwan University (TW)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://nano-vertebra.inoe.ro/

Abstract:

Vertebral body replacement is still a challenge for spine surgeons, burdened by 45% complication rate, and posing a huge healthcare, societal, and also, economic impact. Among the complications, surgical site infections are particularly critical and difficult to treat. Poor bone regeneration and mechanical instability are further issues, also correlated with infections.

NANO-VERTEBRA project proposes a breakthrough approach to realize customized vertebral prosthesis to replace vertebral bodies affected by bone tumours or major traumatic events, specifically engineered to prevent infections and to promote fast and effective bone regeneration.

The approach will start from the nano-scale, but will encompass micro- and macro- scales, as geometrical structures and overall shape of the implants will also be customized to boost integration and to be patient specific.

Antibacterial efficacy will be maximized by nano-thick and nanostructured silver coatings, potentially capable of assuring a tailored ion-release, also engineered to prevent cytotoxicity and the development of resistant bacterial strains. To mitigate possible negative effects of silver onto bone cells, combinations with hydroxyapatite and bone apatite will be investigated as well, to release, in the peri-implant environment, ions capable of triggering host cells response. Surfaces nanostructuration will allow boosting adhesion, spreading and proliferation of cells onto the implants.

Optimization, customization and manufacturing of the implants will be achieved by a full value-chain including high resolution medical imaging, computer-assisted modeling and 3D printing with metal powders.

The new implants will be validated in-vitro and in-vivo, allowing developments from TRL3 to TRL5 and paving the way for clinical applications.

Resultatele obtinute in cadrul proiectului pot fi usor adaptate pentru multe tipuri de implanturi ortopedice (i.e. proteze de sold si genunchi), pentru care indicatiile chirurgicale de inlocuire sunt mult mai frecvente, involving hundreds of thousands implants manufactured every year, thus favoring additional industrial applications.

OBTAINING AND EXPERTISE OF NEW BIOCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0239 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA PENTRU STIINŢELE VIEŢII "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" DIN IAŞI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "DUNAREA DE JOS" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA, FARMACIE, STIINTE SI TEHNOLOGIE ”GEORGE EMIL PALADE” DIN TARGU MURES (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA-IFT IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA ICPE - CA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.medicalmetmat.tuiasi.ro/

Abstract:

The Complex Project "OBTAINING AND EXPERTISE OF NEW BIOCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS" - MedicalMetMat, is proposed by a consortium of 10 partners, coordinated by Technical Univ."Gh. Asachi" of Iasi. It is a complementary and interdisciplinary scientific consortium of specialists from 2 technical universities (TUIASI and UPBucharest), 2 medicine universities (UMF Iasi, UMF Tg Mures), a veterinary medicine university (USAMV Iaşi), UAIC Iasi and UDJG Galati universities and as well 3 R&D institutes with possibilities for economic recovery (IFT Iasi, INOE Magurele and ICPE-CA). The consortium proposes the realization of 5 research projects, 4 focusing on the production and expertise of metallic biomaterials for various medical applications (biodegradable materials for orthopedics-Pr1-ORTOMAG, biomaterials for medical prosthesis-Pr2-BioTIT, biomaterials for dental applications-Pr3-BIODENTRUT and biocompatible alloys with high entropy for medical applications-Pr4-HEAMED). These projects provided production stages, structural/physico-chemical/mechanical analyses performed by specialists from technical universities and research institutes; In vitro cell viability tests, conducted by specialists from the medicine universities and in vivo determinations (veterinary specialists) by osseointegration study and the resorption rate by animal experimental model, which will conduct to the expertise and approval of these metallic materials for the manufacturing of medical applications. Project Pr5-SOLION presents methods for increasing biocompatibility for the obtained biomaterials in the previous 4 projects, through specific coatings and aerosols systems.

Results dissemination of the Complex Project is aimed to patenting and recommending for the approval of optimal compositions, for implementation in the economic/medical environment and preparation of technology transfer to producers and beneficiaries in the field of production and distribution of medical devices.

Nanoencapsulated eugenol advanced compounds with addressability in dental medicine Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Transfer de cunoaștere la agentul economic „Bridge Grant”
PN-III-P2-2.1-BG-2016-0455 2016 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); TITUS & SONS SRL (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.umft.ro/pniiip221bg20160455_519

Abstract:

The aim of the present project proposal is to increase the performance and competitivity of S.C TITUS&SONS S.R.L using the expertise and technology existent in the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Victor Babes Timisoara and Politehnica University of Bucharest. The success of the present project proposal is guaranteed by the team who is comprised by members with national and international research expertise. They will be involved in the research activities, as well in the data analysis, validation, and improvement of the S.C TITUS&SONS S.R.L products, the final endpoint being the increase of their competitivity and quality. The specific objectives of the project are: 1. The manufacture of new compounds starting from the original formula of the company product with the addition of nanoencapsulated eugenol. 2. Evaluation of the in vitro effects of these novel compounds on primary normal human oral keratinocytes - NHOK and tumor line cells of oral squamous cancer - SCC-4. 3. Evaluation of bioenergetic profile of normal and tumor cells treated with these compounds. 4. Evaluation of the in vivo effects on SKH-1 animal models of these novel compounds with histopathologic analysis. 5. The assessment of physical-chemical parameters. 6. Interconnection of informations from chemical, biological, physical, and informatics point of view

Novel multifunctional coatings with improved bioactive, anticorrosive and degradation features Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1854 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.degracoat.eu

Abstract:

When a bioactive material is implanted in the human body a thin bone like apatite layer will be deposited on the surface and owing to the chemical similarities, natural bone may not recognize it as foreign, and bonds directly with the implant. HydroxyAPatite (HAP) is extensively used in bone repair and augmentation, as well as coating of dental or orthopaedic implants. The low mechanical strength and high dissolution rate in contact with body fluids of plain HAP ceramics and the relatively low bone bonding rate, restrict its use as biomaterial.

The projects aim is to find a method for decreasing and controlling the dissolution rate in contact with body fluids without losing the bioactivity abilities of HAP, enhancing the corrosion protection and controlling the surface energy. The proposed solution is to add into HAP structure small amount of different elements such as Si, Ti and Ag prepared by RF-magnetron sputtering in order to obtain coatings with improved bioactive, anticorrosive and degradation features. At the end of the project, the following objectives will be reached: development of a new generation of bioactive coating (HAP doped with Si, Ti or Ag in optimum concentration) which promote bone in-growth with degradation feature enhances; understand the interfacial properties of developed bioactive surfaces in DMEM, PBS and SBF media by carrying out extensive in vitro electrochemical studies; gather critical information on the biodegradation properties of bioactive coatings in different media which simulate those of the human body. Complex characterization will be carried out in terms of elemental and phase composition, texture, chemical bonds, morphology and topography. A special attention will be devoted to investigate bioactivity, degradation and electrochemical properties in 3 different media (DMEM, PBS, SBF) at 37 °C. It is expected that the obtained surfaces to provide improved features, suitable for orthopaedic/dental applications.

Fabrication and investigation of new hybrid scaffolds with the controlled porous hierarchy for bone tissue engineering Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
ERA.NET.RUS PLUS-INTELBIOCOMP - UPB 2016 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.biomat.ro/intelbiocomp

Abstract:

The proposal aims to develop novel scaffolds for bone tissue engineering by Additive Manufacturing technologies with enhanced biocompatibility and vascularization. Different types of 3D resorbable scaffolds of polymers (poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB-HV) and polycaprolactone (PCL)) and their blends with proteins (collagen) will be electrospun sequentially at different ratios to produce 3-level structures resembling the natural structure of bone tissue. Additive Manufacturing will be used to fabricate textured metallic implants based on titanium alloys with porous or lattice sections.

Surface biocompatibility will be improved by advanced bioactive coatings enriched with metal ions (Si, Zn,Mg, Sr) and with antiseptic properties in case of organics (e.g. polyphenols) or inorganics (e.g. Ag,nanoparticles). Additional biomimetic surface functionalisation of the scaffolds by incorporation of biologically active organic compounds (e.g. mineralization-promoting enzymes, growth factors, proteins VEGF, BMPs)will be performed. Biological experiments in vitro and in vivo will reveal the cyto- and biocompatibility of the implants. Synchrotron radiation will be used to study the effect of the scaffolds at different stages of their integration into the live tissue. Implementation of the project will allow fabrication of optimized personalized implants with functionalized surfaces according to the patient’s requirements.

Multifunctional coatings for load bearing implants made of a novel titanium-based alloy Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1958 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO); R&D CONSULTANTA SI SERVICII S.R.L. (RO); TEHNOMED IMPEX CO S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.osseopromote.inoe.ro./

Abstract:

The actual challenge in the orthopaedic surgery is to obtain orthopaedic implants with good mechanical, physical, chemical and surface compatibility with the bone. But the difficulties are remarkable, because these characteristics fail in time and, in general, it is difficult for a single material to have all the required properties.

The main goal of the present project is to give innovative solutions to increase the service life of load bearing implants by:

- Preparation in a levitation melting furnace of a novel type of alloy consisting of only biocompatible elements (Ti, Zr, Nb), in order to replace Ti6Al4V, the most popular alloy in the present, but which consists of elements (Al, V) causing cytotoxic and allergic reactions. The novel alloy is I nsystem Ti-Zr-Nb. It is expected that an optimum Nb content in the alloy composition will be found, for achieving a Young’s modulus close to that of the bone, which was an important target for the researchers in the last two decades.

- Preparation of novel types of osteoconductive coatings, by magnetron sputtering method, as follows:

• osteoconductive coatings in mono (type 1) and bilayer (type 2) structures, in order to enhance the osteoconductive capability of the TiZr30Nbx alloy:

˗ type 1: MeC+IA (Me-metal, C-carbon, IA-inorganic additive), by addition in the MeC film composition (Me = Ti, Zr, Nb) of small amounts of various IA (Ca3(PO4)2, TiSi);

˗ type 2: MeC/(IA + TiO2), where IA is Ca3(PO4)2 and MeC is the bottom layer and (IA+TiO2) is the top layer. It is expected that such structures will reveal an optimum combination of the coating microhardness, adhesion, residual stress, toughness, friction, corrosion-wear resistance, osteoconduction and biocompatibility. The MeC films are produced to enhance the adhesion of the osteoconductive coatings to metallic substrates, because the films consist of elements which are found in the bioalloy composition.

• use of a complex magnetron set-up, containing a high vacuum system and equipped with 5 different cathodes made of pure metallic or alloyed targets, able to work simultaneously or alternatively.

Biodegradable Implants from Magnesium Alloys used in Foot and Ankle Surgery Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2267 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO); R&D CONSULTANTA SI SERVICII S.R.L. (RO); MEDICAL ORTOVIT S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.biomagia.eu

Abstract:

The field of medical materials is very important into the general frame of materials science. The advanced technologies from engineering and medicine developed in the last years, associated with the society demand related to the better daily life conditions and returning to work after some trauma followed by the bone fracture make this field to be a dynamic one. As a consequence, many new materials and implantable medical devices were developed recently and the tendency is to continue those efforts using an interdisciplinary approach based on the knowledge and skill from different field like materials science, physics, biology and medicine.

Also, there is a need in healthcare for cost-efficient treatments, including those for implantable devices for orthopaedic surgery. Foot & ankle surgery is an emerging direction of the orthopaedic surgery and the number of patients who need this kind of surgical intervention is higher. At this moment, is clearly an intensive trend in orthopaedic surgery to use the bioresorbable implants for trauma surgery, but for the foot & ankle surgery the resorbable trauma implants made by polymeric (PLLA) or composite materials (PLLA reinforced with TCP or Hap) didn’t show the clinical advantage because the implants didn’t have a necessary mechanical properties and their degradation rate is much faster than the healing of bone fracture. Magnesium alloys are strong candidates for obtaining biodegradable implants who require better mechanical properties, biocompatibility and slow degradation rates. The consortium that made the BIOMAGIA project proposal is interdisciplinary and comprises a university, two research institutes and two companies. The partners are one of the best research groups in their field (UPB-materials science/biomaterials; INOE200-physics/coatings; IBPC-biology/biocompatibility testing; R&D-materials industry/casting, processing metallic materials; MOV-medical devices industry/medicine, instruments and implants for orthopaedic surgery), with strong skills, capacities, and who were involved in many national and international projects. BIOMAGIA will contribute to the major demand for intelligent biomaterials and smart implants in orthopaedic surgery which are resorbed by the body upon remodelling the bone tissue by the development of new aluminium free magnesium implant materials with tailored properties specific for a biodegradable implant used in foot and ankle surgery. To reach this goal, carefully selected materials and processing routes will be combined with a comprehensive research to elucidate the correlation between magnesium alloys chemical composition, microstructural aspects and processing techniques, surface modifications, related to the corrosion processes in vitro and in vivo who modulate the degradation rate, hydrogen release, and implant resorbtion. The project members are confident that based on their skills and previous results will be able to pass the current barriers like the absence of specific commercial magnesium alloys tailored for orthopaedics applications, the manufacturing technology and the lacking scientific knowledge about the degradation rate based on the corrosion mechanism, hydrogen release and toxicity. The ultimate goal of the project will be a prototype implant for foot & ankle surgery with a new design based on the achievements in this consortium, which brings together leading scientists from various research fields: material scientists and mechanical engineers, physician and experts in surface engineering, biologist and medical scientists. BIOMAGIA collectively covers basically all aspects, the instrumental techniques and approaches necessary to tackle successfully the challenge to understand, and ultimately control, interactions at the material-bone interface. The full achievements of this research are gained because we cover the full value chain from fundamental engineering research towards hospitals and in vivo studies and implant production.

Biocompatible coatings for enhanced bond strength of ceramic to metal in dental restorations Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1240 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GR. TH. POPA" (RO); DIPADENT GROUP SRL (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.coat4dent.eu

Abstract:

The main scientific objective of this project is to obtain a new variety of high bond nanostructured coatings, based on nc-MeN/a-Si3N4 and nc-MeON/a-Si3N4 nanocomposites (nc-nanocrystalline, a-amorphous, Me – metal (Ti, Zr, Cr or Al), N – nitrogen, O - oxygen), in mono, multilayered and graded structures, with good hardness, high adhesion to metallic and ceramic substrates, low internal stress, high resistance against wear, corrosion and oxidation, high fracture toughness, good biocompatibility to tooth and to oral environment.

In the present project we propose to enhance bond strength of ceramic to metal in dental restorations by inserting novel biocompatible nanocomposite coatings between the metal and ceramics, by means of the cathodic arc technique:

- nanocomposite single layer coatings (nc – MeSiN or nc – MeSiON), where Me is Ti, Zr, Cr or Al,

- nanocomposite mutilayer coatings (nc – MeSiN/MeN and nc – MeSiON /MeN),

- nanocomposite graded MeN/MeSiN/MeSiON coatings.

The scientific expectation is that such coatings enhance the adhesion of ceramic to metallic substrates (NiCr or CoCr alloys), leading to longer service life of the dental restoration. Also, the proposed coatings would effectively prevent the adverse oxidation of NiCr and CoCr alloys and would ensure good biocompatibility in oral environment, having colours close to natural teeth. The great challenges of the project are to obtain a high bond of ceramic to metal and dental restorations with color closed to natural teeth.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects