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Metals play an essential role in biochemistry, and the use of metals for antimicrobial applications has been well studied. Biomaterials incorporating copper and silver demonstrated high antimicrobial activity while maintaining good cytocompatibility. In this overview, nanostructure processing is underscored as a method to overcome the shortcomings of conventional bioceramics. Restructuring crystalline structures at the nanoscale make it less susceptible to brittle fracture. Furthermore, the bioactivity of the material is significantly improved through nanoscale surface modifications such as coatings. The effectiveness of nanostructured biomaterials featuring copper and silver in combatting bacterial attachment and proliferation is described. Nanoscale copper-containing stainless steel achieved antimicrobial activity by disrupting bacterial metabolism and damaging bacterial membranes while providing a conducive environment for cellular proliferation. Copper-containing stainless steels can be used to prevent marine corrosion, food preservation and combat implant-related infections. It is envisaged that future antimicrobial strategies will continue to feature copper and silver nanostructured biomaterials prominently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-doped porous carbon is synthesised from mineral-rich egg yolks. Pores are produced via successive chemical etching. As anode for sodium ion batteries, the as-prepared carbon showed an initial reversible capacity of 208 mAh g−1 and a high capacity retention of 86% after 200 cycles with good rate capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NASICON (Sodium super ionic conductor) structured Li1·5Al0·5Ge1·5(PO4)3 (LAGP) solid electrolyte is synthesized through a solid state reaction. The total conductivity of the LAGP electrolyte is 7×10-5 S cm-1 with a potential window larger than 6 V. All solid state lithium batteries are fabricated using LiMn2O4 as a cathode, LAGP as an electrolyte and lithium metal as an anode. The LiMn2O4/LAGP/Li cell can deliver a capacity of about 80 mAh g-1 in the first discharge cycle and increases gradually with charge/discharge cycles, indicating that LAGP can be used as a promising electrolyte for lithium rechargeable batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]