Metallic implants are widely used in the field of implantology, but there are still problems leading to implant failures due to weak osseointegration, low mechanical strength for the implant, inadequate antibacterial properties, and low patient satisfaction. Implant failure can be caused by bacterial infections and poor osteointegration. To improve the implant functionalization, many researchers focus on surface modifications to prepare the proper physical and chemical conditions able to increase biocompatibility and osteointegration between implant and bone. Improving the antibacterial performance is also a key factor to avoid the inflammation in the human body. This paper is a brief review for the types of coatings used to increase osseointegration and biocompatibility for the successful use of metal alloys in the field of implantology.

Gel-based membranes, a fusion of polymer networks and liquid components, have emerged as versatile tools in a variety of technological domains thanks to their unique structural and functional attributes. Historically rooted in basic filtration tasks, recent advancements in synthetic strategies have increased the mechanical strength, selectivity, and longevity of these membranes. This review summarizes their evolution, emphasizing breakthroughs that have positioned them at the forefront of cutting-edge applications. They have the potential for desalination and pollutant removal in water treatment processes, delivering efficiency that often surpasses conventional counterparts. The biomedical field has embraced them for drug delivery and tissue engineering, capitalizing on their biocompatibility and tunable properties. Additionally, their pivotal role in energy storage as gel electrolytes in batteries and fuel cells underscores their adaptability. However, despite monumental progress in gel-based membrane research, challenges persist, particularly in scalability and long-term stability. This synthesis provides an overview of the state-of-the-art applications of gel-based membranes and discusses potential strategies to overcome current limitations, laying the foundation for future innovations in this dynamic field.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs), also known as multicomponent or multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs), differ from traditional alloys, which are usually based only on one principal element, in that they are usually fabricated from five or more elements in large percentages related to each other, in the range of 5%–35%. Despite the usually outstanding characteristics of HEAs, based on a properly selected design, many such alloys are coated with advanced composites after their elaboration to further improve their qualities. In this study, 73Ti-20Zr-5Ta-2Ag samples were covered with chitosan and a mixture of chitosan, bioglass, and ZnO particles to improve the materials’ antibacterial properties. A variety of methods, including scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and mechanical and electrochemical determinations, has permitted a quantified comparison between the coated and uncoated surfaces of this medium–high-entropy alloy. The materials’ properties were enhanced by the complex coating, giving the alloys not only high antibacterial activity, but also good corrosion protection.

TiZrTaAg alloy is a remarkable material with exceptional properties, making it a unique choice among various industrial applications. In the present study, two types of bioactive coatings using MAPLE were obtained on a TiZrTaAg substrate. The base coating consisted in a mixture of chitosan and bioglass in which zinc oxide and graphene oxide were added. The samples were characterized in-depth through a varied choice of methods to provide a more complete picture of the two types of bioactive coating. The analysis included Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ellipsometry, and micro-Raman. The Vickers hardness test was used to determine the hardness of the films and the penetration depth. Film adhesion forces were determined using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The corrosion rate was highlighted by polarization curves and by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The performed tests revealed that the composite coatings improve the properties of the TiZrTaAg alloy, making them feasible for future use as scaffold materials or in implantology.

Background/Objectives: Periprosthetic fractures (PFs) can occur in both the upper and lower limbs, commonly resulting from falls at the same level. The frequency of PFs following total hip arthroplasty (THA) ranges from 0.045% to 4.1%, and this incidence is influenced by several factors, including age, gender, the type of prosthesis used, and existing comorbidities. Previous studies on this subject have been small in scale and did not adequately address the associated comorbidities, which pose a challenge for the aging population. This study aims to comparatively assess the incidence of THA-related PFs, immediate postoperative complications, and comorbidities in patients with PFs from three emergency hospitals. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from 1 January to 31 December 2024, in which 54 patients with PFs hospitalized in three emergency hospitals (Bucharest, Oradea, and Ploiești) were evaluated, divided into Group B (n = 29), Group O (n = 14), and Group P (n = 11). Results: Of all patients with PFs, 81.48% had minor complications—grade 1, 9.26% had grade 2 complications (complications requiring medical treatment or other minor interventions), and 3.70% had complications requiring surgery or invasive procedures. Clavien–Dindo grade 5 (patient death) had an incidence of 3.70%. Cardiac pathology was the most common pathology; hypertension predominated in Group O (42.85%). Alzheimer’s disease was associated in 7 patients (12.96%). Without associated pathology, about 13% of patients were identified. Diabetes mellitus also occurred frequently in 31.50%. Data analysis indicates a very weak positive correlation between the Dindo Index and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (r = 0.046), which is not statistically significant (p = 0.628). The effect size, measured by Fisher’s z, is also reported as 0.046. Conclusions: No significant differences were found among the evaluated centers regarding therapeutic approaches, postoperative complications, and associated comorbidities. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence to suggest a significant association between the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Clavien–Dindo Index.