Cosmin COTRUT
Dr. Cosmin M. Cotrut is Associate Professor at the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, within the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering. He has authored sevenbooks and book chapters (Springer Nature, Elsevier) and has contributed to over 100 peer reviewed scientific papers resulting in an h-index of 24 and accumulating over 1500 citations. Additionally, he wasan invited professor in other international universities (Ecole Polytechnique Universitaire de Lille, France and Tomsk Polytechnic University, Russia). The primary research interest is related to degradation and corrosion of biomaterials with outstanding contributions in the domain of surface biofunctionalization methods aimed at enhancing osseointegration and inducing antibacterial properties. This includes the development of biomimetic coatings of hydroxyapatite doped or co-doped with Mg, Sr, Ag, Zn through electrochemical methods. Additionally, efforts are directed towards improving biocompatibility and tribological properties through the application of thin layers based on nitrides, carbides, oxides or metallic glasses utilizing PVD techniques The research also encompasses the control of degradation inbiodegradable alloys via polymer-based and PVD coatings, as well as the development of novel Ti-based biocompatible alloys obtained through both traditional methods and additive manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, these alloys undergo biofunctionalization through nanostructuring and/or surface coating. He holds editorial positions at several prestigious publishing houses including serving as an Editorial Board Member for Scientific Reports (Springer Nature), Heliyon (CellPress), and Coatings (MDPI), as well as a Guest Editor for Thin Solid Films (Frontiers in Materials).
Abstract
From Surface Engineering to osseointegration: The role of multifunctional coatings
Cosmin M. Cotrut1, Diana M. Vrânceanu1, Elena Poenaru1
1 National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest, Romania, cosmin.cotrut@upb.ro
Introduction. The clinical performance of orthopaedic and dental implants is strongly governed by the properties of their surface, which control early biological interactions, osseointegration, corrosion resistance, degradation behavior, and susceptibility to infection[1]. Recent advances in surface engineering have demonstrated that multifunctional coatings can transform metallic implants from passive structural devices into bioactive systems able to actively modulate the bone–implant interface [2-4].
Experimental. Multifunctional surface architectures were developed on titanium-basedsubstrates using electrochemical anodization, electrochemically assisted deposition, and hybrid coating approaches. The investigated coatings included nanostructured TiO2 layers, hydroxyapatite-based coatings doped with biologically active ions such as Mg, Zn, Ag, and Sr[5,6]. Surface performance was assessed through structural, morphological, wettability, electrochemical behaviour, biomineralization ability, antibacterial, and in vitro biological investigations in simulated physiological environments.
Results and Discussion. The obtained coatings exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity, improved apatite-forming ability, and superior electrochemical stability, promoting a favorable microenvironment for bone-related cell attachment and proliferation. Ion-substituted hydroxyapatite coatings showed improved cytocompatibility and osteogenic response, while hybrid and composite layers contributed to better corrosion protection and a more controlled degradation profile, particularly in the case of biodegradable magnesium alloys. These findings indicate that the synergistic combination of surface topography, chemical composition, and ion release is essential for balancing osteogenic, antibacterial, and protective functions.
Conclusions. Multifunctional coatings represent an effective route for bridging surface engineering and osseointegration, enabling the design of next-generation implant surfaces with improved biological integration, durability, and clinical potential.
References.
[1] J. Wilson, in Fundamental Biomaterials: Metals (Eds: B. Preetha, M.S., Sreekala, T. Sabu), Elsevier, Cambridge, 2018, pp. 1–33.
[2] M. Fosca, A. Streza, I. V. Antoniac, G. Vadalà, J. V. Rau, Ion-Doped Calcium Phosphate-Based Coatings with Antibacterial Properties, J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14, 250.
[3] C. M. Cotrut, D. M. Vranceanu, E. Ungureanu (Poenaru), A. Vladescu (Dragomir), M. Dinu, A. E. Munteanu, I. S. Hosu, B. Trica, V. Raditoiu, I. Fierascu, R. C. Fierascu, Influence of the electrolyte solutions on the physico-chemical properties and bioactivity of copper doped hydroxyapatite coatings, Surfaces and Interfaces 2026, 94, 109540.
[4] K. Gao, Y. Zhang, J. Yi, F. Dong, P. Chen, Overview of Surface Modification Techniques for Titanium Alloys in Modern Material Science: A Comprehensive Analysis Coatings 2024, 14, 148.
[5] E. Ungureanu, A. Vladescu (Dragomir), A. C. Parau, V. Mitran, A. Cimpean, M. Tarcolea, D. M. Vranceanu, C. M. Cotrut, In Vitro Evaluation of Ag- and Sr-Doped Hydroxyapatite Coatings for Medical Application, Materials 2023, 16, 5428.
[6] D. M. Vranceanu, E. Ungureanu, I. C. Ionescu, A. C. Parau, V. Pruna, I. Titorencu, M. Badea, C.-Ștefania Gălbău, M. Idomir, M. Dinu, A. V. (Dragomir), C. M. Cotrut, In Vitro Characterization of Hydroxyapatite-Based Coatings Doped with Mg or Zn Electrochemically Deposited on Nanostructured Titanium , Biomimetics 2024, 9, 244.
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