Advanced Functional Materials

Dr. Abdur Rahim

Associate Professor

Date 14-12-2024
 Introduction
•Definition:
• Nanoparticles: Materials with dimensions in the 1-100 nm range.
• Tailoring: Modifying structural, morphological, or functional properties
to meet specific needs.
•Importance:
• Unique properties due to high surface-to-volume ratio and quantum
effects.
• Applications in medicine, energy, sensors, catalysis, and more.
 Why Tailor Nanoparticles?

•Customization: Achieving desired physical, chemical, and biological

properties.

•Enhancing Performance: Improving reactivity, stability, or selectivity.

•Application-Specific Needs: Designing nanoparticles for targeted use, such

as drug delivery or environmental remediation.
 Methods for Tailoring Nanoparticles

1.Surface Functionalization:
Adding functional groups, ligands, or polymers.

2.Shape and Size Control:

Spheres, rods, cubes, or stars – achieved via synthesis techniques.

3.Core-Shell Structures:
Encapsulating one material within another for dual functionality.

4.Doping:
Incorporating foreign atoms to alter properties.

5.Assembly into Nanostructures:

Creating hierarchical or composite systems.
The process involves dissolving a molecular precursor, usually a metal alkoxide, in a solvent like water or alcohol. The solution,
or sol, then undergoes hydrolysis and condensation reactions to form a gel. The gel is dried and calcined to create the final
material.
Techniques for Tailoring Nanoparticles

1.Chemical Methods:
a technique for crystallizing
1.Sol-gel, co-precipitation, hydrothermal synthesis.substances from high-
temperature aqueous solutions
at high vapor pressures
2.Physical Methods:
1.Ball milling, laser ablation, vapor deposition.

3.Biological Methods:
1.Use of biomolecules, plant extracts, or microorganisms.
simultaneous precipitation
of two or more compounds
4.Post-Synthesis Modifications: in a solvent. The process is
usually the result of
1.Surface treatments, annealing, or chemical etching. supersaturation, which is
when particles in a solution
nucleate, grow, and
agglomerate
 Tailoring Properties for Specific Applications
1.Optical Properties:
Tailoring size for quantum dots in displays and LEDs.
2.Magnetic Properties:
Iron oxide nanoparticles for MRI contrast agents.
3.Electrical Properties:
Conductive nanoparticles for flexible electronics.
4.Catalytic Activity:
Metal-doped nanoparticles for enhanced catalytic efficiency.
5.Biocompatibility:
Surface modifications for drug delivery or biosensing.
 Challenges in Tailoring Nanoparticles
1.Scalability:
•Transitioning lab-scale synthesis to industrial production.
2.Reproducibility:
•Maintaining consistency in size, shape, and properties.
3.Cost:
•Expensive synthesis methods and materials.
4.Environmental Concerns:
•Toxicity and disposal of nanoparticles.
 Tissue Engineering

•What is Tissue Engineering?

• An interdisciplinary field combining biology, engineering, and
materials science.
• Goal: To create functional tissues for repairing or replacing
damaged organs.
•Importance:
• Addresses challenges in organ transplantation, including donor
shortages and immune rejection.
Key Components of Tissue Engineering
cells from
cells from
1.Cells: same different
individual individual
1.Source: Autologous, allogeneic, or stem cells.
2.Role: Provide the biological function.
2.Scaffolds:
1.Material: Natural (collagen, chitosan) or synthetic (PLGA, PCL).
2.Role: Support cell attachment, growth, and differentiation.
3.Signaling Molecules:
1.Examples: Growth factors, cytokines.
2.Role: Guide cell behavior and tissue formation.
 Principles of Tissue Engineering
1.Biomimicry:
1.Designing scaffolds and environments that mimic natural tissues.
2.Integration:
1.Ensuring the engineered tissue integrates with the host tissue.
3.Regeneration:
1.Stimulating the body’s own repair mechanisms.
4.Customization:
1.Tailoring solutions for patient-specific needs.
 Techniques in Tissue Engineering
1.Cell Culture:
In vitro expansion of cells.
2.Scaffold Fabrication:
Techniques: Electrospinning, 3D printing, freeze-drying.
3.Bioreactors:
Dynamic culture systems for tissue maturation.
4.Decellularization:
Removing cells from donor tissues while preserving extracellular
matrix.
Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering
•Properties of Ideal Scaffolds:
•Biocompatibility.
•Biodegradability.
•Mechanical strength.
•Porosity for nutrient and waste exchange.
•Types of Scaffolds:
•Natural: Collagen, fibrin, silk.
•Synthetic: Polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL).
 Applications of Tissue Engineering

1.Skin Tissue Engineering:

Wound healing and burn treatment.
2.Bone and Cartilage:
Repair of fractures, osteoarthritis.
3.Cardiac Tissue:
Patches for heart repair post-infarction.
4.Liver and Kidney:
Bioartificial organs for temporary support.
5.Neural Tissue:
Repair of spinal cord injuries.
 Challenges in Tissue Engineering
1.Cell Source:
•Limited availability and ethical concerns (e.g., embryonic stem cells).
2.Vascularization:
•Difficulty in developing blood vessel networks within engineered
tissues.
3.Immune Response:
•Risk of rejection or inflammation.
4.Scalability:
•Transitioning lab-scale constructs to clinical-scale applications.
5.Regulatory and Ethical Issues:
•Approval processes and patient-specific customization.
 Advances and Future Directions
1. 3D Bioprinting:
Layer-by-layer printing of cells and scaffolds.
2. Organoids:
Miniature functional tissue models for drug testing and disease
modeling.
3. Nanotechnology:
Nanofiber scaffolds, nanocarriers for targeted delivery.
4. Stem Cell Research:
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for patient-specific therapies.
5. Integration with AI:
Predicting tissue growth and optimizing scaffold design.
 Bioactive Coatings: Advancing Biomedical Applications

•What are Bioactive Coatings?

• Thin layers of material applied to surfaces that interact positively
with biological systems.
• Designed to improve biocompatibility, functionality, and integration.
•Importance:
• Enhance the performance of medical implants and devices.
• Promote tissue regeneration and reduce infection risks.
 Properties of Bioactive Coatings
1.Biocompatibility:
Non-toxic and compatible with surrounding tissues.
2.Bioactivity:
Ability to induce specific biological responses, such as cell
adhesion or bone growth.
3.Antimicrobial Activity:
Prevents bacterial colonization and biofilm formation.
4.Durability:
Resistance to mechanical stress and wear.
 Types of Bioactive Coatings
1.Ceramic-Based Coatings:
•Examples: Hydroxyapatite (HA), bio-glasses.
•Applications: Bone regeneration.
2.Polymer-Based Coatings:
•Examples: Polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan.
•Applications: Drug delivery systems.
3.Metal-Based Coatings:
•Examples: Silver, titanium dioxide.
•Applications: Antimicrobial surfaces.
4.Composite Coatings:
•Combination of ceramics, polymers, or metals for multifunctionality.
 Methods for Applying Bioactive Coatings

1.Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD):

Deposits thin films under vacuum conditions.
2.Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD):
Creates uniform coatings through chemical reactions.
3.Electrochemical Techniques:
Electrophoretic deposition, anodization.
4.Spray Coating:
Thermal spraying or airbrushing techniques.
5.Dip Coating and Spin Coating:
Simple and cost-effective methods for uniform layers.
 Functionalization of Bioactive Coatings
1.Incorporation of Biomolecules:
Growth factors, peptides, or proteins to promote tissue interaction.
2.Nanotechnology Integration:
Nanostructures to improve surface properties and bioactivity.
3.Smart Coatings:
Stimuli-responsive materials for drug release or environmental
sensing.
4.Antimicrobial Functionalization:
Embedding antimicrobial agents to prevent infections.
 Applications of Bioactive Coatings
1.Orthopedic Implants:
•Titanium implants coated with hydroxyapatite for bone growth.
2.Dental Implants:
•Coatings to enhance osseointegration and reduce bacterial adhesion.
3.Cardiovascular Devices:
•Antithrombotic coatings for stents and vascular grafts.
4.Drug Delivery Systems:
•Coatings for controlled drug release.
5.Wound Healing:
•Bioactive dressings for enhanced tissue regeneration.
 Challenges in Bioactive Coatings
1.Adhesion Issues:
Ensuring long-term stability of coatings on substrates.
2.Scalability:
Transitioning lab-scale techniques to industrial applications.
3.Material Selection:
Balancing bioactivity with mechanical properties.
4.Cost and Complexity:
Developing cost-effective and reproducible coating methods.
Advances and Future Directions
1.3D Printing of Coatings:
•Precision application of bioactive layers.
2.Multifunctional Coatings:
•Combining bioactivity, antimicrobial properties, and
mechanical strength.
3.Personalized Coatings:
•Tailoring coatings for patient-specific needs.
4.AI and Machine Learning:
•Optimizing coating designs and predicting performance.
5.Green Synthesis:
•Eco-friendly methods for producing bioactive materials.