Abstract: Methods for improving the wear performance of silicon nitride and/or other ceramic materials, particularly to make them more suitable for use in manufacturing biomedical implants.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, devices and methods for inactivating viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The compositions, methods, and devices may include coatings or slurries such as silicon nitride powder coatings or slurries for the inactivation of viruses, bacteria, and/or fungi.

Abstract: Described herein is an antiviral face mask and methods of use thereof to inactivate a virus in contact with the face mask. The face mask may include a fibrous material with silicon nitride powder impregnated therein and a layer surrounding the fibrous material. In some embodiments, silicon nitride is present in the fibrous material at a concentration of about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %.

Abstract: Described herein are antiviral compositions and apparatuses and methods of use thereof to inactivate a virus in contact with the composition or apparatus. The composition and/or apparatus include silicon nitride at a concentration of 1 wt. % to 15 wt. % and the silicon nitride inactivates at least 85% of the virus in contact with the composition and/or apparatus.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to systems, methods, and articles for rapid inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by silicon nitride and aluminum nitride are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods for improving the antibacterial characteristics of biomedical implants and related implants manufactured according to such methods. In some implementations, a biomedical implant comprising a silicon nitride ceramic material may be subjected to a surface roughening treatment so as to increase a surface roughness of at least a portion of the biomedical implant to a roughness profile having an arithmetic average of at least about 500 nm Ra. In some implementations, a coating may be applied to a biomedical implant. Such a coating may comprise a silicon nitride ceramic material, and may be applied instead of, or in addition to, the surface roughening treatment process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antifungal composites, devices, and methods to reduce or prevent a fungus from growing on the antifungal composite. The antifungal composite and devices thereof may include a biocompatible polymer and a Si3N4 powder loaded in at least a portion of the biocompatible polymer. The polymer may be a thermoplastic polymer such as a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resin and the Si3N4 powder may be present in a concentration of about 1 vol. % to about 30 vol. % in the thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, devices and methods for inactivating viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The compositions, methods, and devices may include coatings or slurries such as silicon nitride powder coatings or slurries for the inactivation of viruses, bacteria, and/or fungi.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, devices and methods for inactivating viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The compositions, methods, and devices may include coatings or slurries such as silicon nitride powder coatings or slurries for the inactivation of viruses, bacteria, and/or fungi.

Abstract: Methods for improving the antibacterial characteristics of biomedical implants and related implants manufactured according to such methods. In some implementations, a biomedical implant comprising a silicon nitride ceramic material may be subjected to a surface roughening treatment so as to increase a surface roughness of at least a portion of the biomedical implant to a roughness profile having an arithmetic average of at least about 500 nm Ra. In some implementations, a coating may be applied to a biomedical implant. Such a coating may comprise a silicon nitride ceramic material, and may be applied instead of, or in addition to, the surface roughening treatment process.