BIOCOAT - Novel Deposition Method for Biomedical Applications
BIOCOAT explores a radically new coating approach that enables surfaces to acquire functional characteristics useful for a variety of applications and, specifically in this proposal, for biomedical applications. This surface functionalization will be obtained via ultrathin, stable coatings of nanoparticles deposited via Nanofluid Boiling (NB) with unprecedented methodological simplifications, drastic cost reductions, and close-to-zero environmental impact and health risks. A novel Nanofluid-based Deposition Technique (NBDT) will be developed through a joint and synergic effort involving chemists, materials scientists, engineers, bio-medical specialists. BIOCOAT will unlock the so far unimaginable possibility to transfer a highly specialized activity, performed by scientists in cleanrooms, or with vacuum technologies, or with complex instrumental designs, to anyone, anywhere in the world.
UNIPD Researchers: Simone Mancin
Partners: University of Padova (Coordinator), CNR, University of Ferrara
Dates: October 2024 – September 2028
Keywords: Pool Boiling, Nanoparticles, Nanocolloids, Biomedical, Bone integration Prot. 2022RPSTLA
What Makes BIOCOAT Different?
Scalable and geometry‑independent
Deposition happens wherever nanofluid boiling occurs, so complex 3D geometries and large components can be coated without size limitations or vacuum chambers.
Uniform and controllable coatings
The boiling process keeps the nanofluid well mixed, allowing uniform coverage and control of coating thickness by adjusting the heat flux and deposition time.
Safe and environmentally friendly
Nanoparticles remain attached to the heated surface and are not transported by the vapour, reducing exposure risks; the method avoids hazardous solvents and will be evaluated with full Life Cycle Assessment.
Material‑ and temperature‑flexible
By choosing the base fluid and process conditions, deposition temperature can be adapted to many substrates, from polymers to metals, without strict temperature or conductivity constraints.
Low cost and simple equipment
The process requires only an unpressurised vessel with temperature control and heating/cooling; preliminary estimates indicate potential coating cost reductions by a factor of 1.5–2 compared to standard wet coatings, with precision comparable to PVD/CVD.