Abstract: Various embodiment related to methods for coating a metal substrate with a silicon nitride ceramic coating are disclosed herein. The metal substrate may be a biomedical implant with a laser-cladded silicon nitride coating for promoting osteogenesis.

Abstract: Various embodiments for antipathogenic devices and methods thereof for antifungal applications are disclosed herein.

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: 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: 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: Methods for improving the antibacterial, osteoconductive, and/or osteoinductive characteristics of silicon nitride and/or other ceramic materials, particularly to make them more suitable for use in manufacturing biomedical implants. In some embodiments and implementations, the surface chemistry and/or morphology of a silicon nitride bioceramic may be modulated significantly through thermal, chemical, and/or mechanical treatments to achieve such advantageous results. A portion of the resulting material, such as a glaze or upper layer of the material, may be separately produced as a powder or frit, for example, and used in manufacturing biomedical implants and/or other products, such as by using such portion of the material as a coating or filler. In other embodiments the surface material may be separately manufactured as a silicon oxynitride monolith.

Abstract: Methods for improving the antibacterial, osteoconductive, and/or osteoinductive characteristics of silicon nitride and/or other ceramic materials, particularly to make them more suitable for use in manufacturing biomedical implants. In some embodiments and implementations, the surface chemistry and/or morphology of a silicon nitride bioceramic may be modulated significantly through thermal, chemical, and/or mechanical treatments to achieve such advantageous results. A portion of the resulting material, such as a glaze or upper layer of the material, may be separately produced as a powder or frit, for example, and used in manufacturing biomedical implants and/or other products, such as by using such portion of the material as a coating or filler. In other embodiments the surface material may be separately manufactured as a silicon oxynitride monolith.

Abstract: Ceramic materials comprising charge-compensating dopants and related methods. In some embodiments, the materials may comprise dopants such as Y2O3, Gd2O3, Nb2O5, and/or Ta2O5. Some embodiments may comprise a molar concentration of Y2O3 and/or Gd2O3 that is at least approximately equal to the molar concentration of Nb2O5 and/or Ta2O5. Certain embodiments and implementations may comprise particular, unique concentrations or concentration ranges of various compounds/materials in order to improve performance for use of such ceramic materials as biomedical implants.

Abstract: Ceramic materials comprising charge-compensating dopants and related methods. In some embodiments, the materials may comprise dopants such as Y2O3, Gd2O3, Nb2O5, and/or Ta2O5. Some embodiments may comprise a molar concentration of Y2O3 and/or Gd2O3 that is at least approximately equal to the molar concentration of Nb2O5 and/or Ta2O5. Certain embodiments and implementations may comprise particular, unique concentrations or concentration ranges of various compounds/materials in order to improve performance for use of such ceramic materials as biomedical implants.

Abstract: Methods for improving the antibacterial characteristics of a biomedical implant. In some implementations, the method may comprise providing a biomedical implant material block. The biomedical implant material block may comprise a silicon nitride ceramic material. The surface chemistry of the biomedical implant material block may be altered to improve the antibacterial characteristics of the biomedical implant material block. In some implementations, the surface chemistry may be altered by firing the biomedical implant material block in a nitrogen-rich environment or otherwise increasing the nitrogen content in the transitional oxide layer of at least a portion of the biomedical implant material block. The surface of the biomedical implant material block may also, or alternatively, be roughened to improve antibacterial characteristics of the implant.