Sol-gel derived silica possess many promising features, including low-temperature preparation procedure, porosity, chemical and physical stability. Applications exploiting porous materials to encapsulate sensor molecules, enzymes and many other compounds, are developing rapidly. In this paper some potential applications, with emphasis on biomedical and environmental ones, are reviewed. The material preparation procedure is described and practical remarks on silica-based sol-gels are included. It is reported that sol-gels with entrapped various molecules may be used in construction of implants and coatings with bioactive properties. It is shown how to exploit the sol-gel production route for construction of sol-gel coated fiberoptic applicators for lasertherapy. The applications of bioactive materials are discussed, as well. It is demonstrated that it is possible to immobilize photosensitive compounds in sol-gel matrix without loosing their photoactivity. Some examples of sol-gel based biosensors are demonstrated, as well, showing their potential for detecting various gases, toxic substances, acidity, humidity, enzymes and biologically active agents.

This paper presents the study of microstructure and properties of 8 mol% yttrium stabilized zirconia coating fabricated by Plasma Spray Physical Vapor Deposition technique on commercial pure titanium. The coating was characterized by X-ray diffraction, high resolution scanning electron microscope, profilometer, nanoindentation and nanomachining tests. The X-ray phase analysis exhibit the tetragonal Zr0.935Y0.065O1.968, TiO and α-Ti phases. The Rietveld refinement technique were indicated the changes of crystal structure of the produced coatings. The characteristic structure of columns were observed in High Resolutions Scanning Electron Microscopy. Moreover, the obtained coating had various development of surfaces, thickness was equal to 3.1(1) µm and roughness 0.40(7) µm. Furthermore, the production coatings did not show microcracks, delamination and crumbing. The performed experiment encourages carried out us to tests for osseointegration.