Biography
I am Khalil Ahmad, a materials scientist specializing in biomaterials and bioactive coatings. I recently completed my PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad, under the supervision of Dr. Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman. My doctoral research focused on electrophoretic deposition of natural herb loaded biopolymers and metallic-ion-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles for biomedical applications. I have authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal publications in leading international journals. Currently, I am working as a Senior Researcher at Bioengineering Research and Development (Pvt.) Ltd., contributing to translational biomaterials research and industrial R&D activities.
Research Interests
My research interests focus on biomaterials, bioactive coatings, and surface engineering for biomedical applications. I primarily work on electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of polymer and biopolymer-based composite coatings, incorporating natural herbs, metallic ions, and bioactive glass nanoparticles for orthopedic and dental implants. My interests also include corrosion and tribological behavior of implant coatings, wear resistance, and antibacterial performance of functionalized surfaces. I am actively involved in developing PEEK based composite coatings, chitosan-based systems, and herb-loaded bioactive coatings to improve implant longevity and biological response.
Areas of Expertise
My areas of expertise include electrophoretic deposition, bioactive and antibacterial coatings, corrosion and wear analysis, and biomaterials characterization. I have extensive hands-on experience in PEEK-based composite coatings, chitosan and biopolymer systems, and metallic-ion-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles. I am skilled in electrochemical testing (EIS, PDP), pin-on-disc wear analysis, cell viability and antibacterial assays, and drug release studies. I also have strong experience with materials characterization techniques including XRD, FTIR, SEM, BET, UV–Vis, and TGA, supported by proficiency in Origin, ImageJ, BET software, and electrochemical analysis tools.
Member Details
Education
I completed my PhD in Materials Science and Engineering (2021–2025) from the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad, with a CGPA of 3.67/4.0. My PhD research focused on electrophoretic deposition of natural herb-loaded biopolymers and metallic-ion-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles for biomedical applications. I earned my MSc in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from UET Lahore with 78%, where my research focused on silicon carbide synthesis from rice husk biomass. I also completed my BSc in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the University of the Punjab, achieving a CGPA of 3.61/4.0.
Responsibilities
As Chief Technical Officer, I am responsible for technical leadership of research and development activities at Bioengineering Research and Development (Pvt.) Ltd. My role includes designing and optimizing bioactive coatings, 3D printing of smart biomaterials, and evaluation of corrosion and tribological performance of orthopedic implant coatings. I oversee laboratory equipment management, supervise research assistants and junior researchers, and provide hands-on training in electrophoretic deposition, surface characterization, wear testing, and corrosion analysis. I also contribute to academic writing, patent-oriented research, and project execution, ensuring alignment between scientific innovation and industrial objectives.
Current Projects
I am currently involved in industrial and translational biomaterials research at Bioengineering Research and Development (Pvt.) Ltd. My ongoing work includes development and optimization of bioactive and composite coatings for orthopedic implants, 3D printing of smart biomaterials, and corrosion and tribological evaluation of implant surfaces. I am also engaged in manuscript preparation, project supervision, and laboratory management, while supporting the execution of academically and industry-funded research projects. My work aims to translate advanced coating technologies and biomaterials research into clinically and commercially viable solutions.
Publications
Correction to “Electrophoretic Deposition, Microstructure, and Selected Properties of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) Acid-Based Antibacterial Coatings on Mg Substrate”
There is an urgent need to develop biodegradable implants that can degrade once they have fulfilled their function. Commercially pure magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have the potential to surpass traditional orthopedic implants due to their good biocom ...
Functional characterization of orthodontic bands coated with chitosan-zinc oxide nanocomposite: antibacterial and electrochemical characterization
Background: After orthodontic treatment, dental caries develops in many patients, especially in posterior teeth beneath or around the molar bands. The objective of this study was to deposit a Nanocomposite coating composed of chitosan and zinc oxi ...
Chitosan/mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) composite coating deposited on silk suture: An initial in-vivo study
This is imperative to inhibit suture related postoperative infections, which hinder and delay the healing process. Thus, there is a pressing need to modify the surface of the suture that facilitates the healing process. Herein, we synthesized mesopor ...
Controlled biodegradation of AZ31 alloy by chitosan/Fe-doped bioactive glass composite coating deposited via electrophoretic deposition for orthopaedic implants
The fast degradation rate of implants of AZ 31 alloy in the physiological body fluid is a critical problem for orthopaedic applications. The surface modification of AZ 31 can regulate fast degradation by depositing a biocompatible composite coating. ...
Effect of chitosan based composite coating on silk suture to enhance the wound healing ability: An initial in-vivo study
This is imperative to inhibit suture related postoperative infections, which hinder and delay the healing process. Thus, there is a pressing need to modify the surface of the suture that facilitates the healing process. Herein, we synthesized mesopor ...
Electrophoretic Deposition of Chitosan/Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Composite Coating on AZ31 Mg Alloy for Orthopedic Applications
Magnesium-based biodegradable implants are an excellent choice for biomedical applications including maxilofacial and orthopedic applications due to their elastic modulus which closely matches that of the bone. However, their uncontrolled degradation ...
Microstructure, wear, and corrosion properties of PEEK-based composite coating incorporating titania- and copper-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles
Poor wear- and corrosion-resistance of 316L SS implants are critical problems in orthopedic implants. This study aims to improve the wear- and corrosion-resistance of 316L SS through surface coating. In this study, a bilayer composite coating consist ...
A study on the effect of tantalum penta oxide incorporation in PEEK-based composite coating: a detailed investigation of wear and corrosion resistance
Cost-effective orthopedic implants of 316L SS are good for load bearing applications, but these implants are prone to failure due to poor wear and corrosion resistance compared to titanium implants. Surface modification of 316L SS through composite c ...
Electrophoretic deposition of PEEK/B-Ag-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles
Orthopedic implants of 316 low carbon stainless steel (316L SS) currently possess certain limitations, including susceptibility to corrosion, risk of biofilm formation, and the lack of bioactivity. These problems can be resolved by surface modificati ...
A comparative study of WOKA-3903 and Tribaloy T-400 using high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) sprayed coating
Wear resistance at elevated temperatures of Ti-6Al-4V is a great challenge for aerospace applications. This can be improved by depositing different kinds of wear and corrosion resistant coatings on Ti-6Al-4V by high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) technique ...
Electrophoretic deposition of moringa loaded chitosan coatings on Mg: A study on antibacterial properties and degradation kinetics
Moringa loaded chitosan coatings (coating thickness ∼10 µm) were deposited on Mg substrate via electrophoretic deposition (applied electric field = 15 V/cm and deposition time = 20 min). Scanning electron microscopy images of chitosan/moringa coat ...
Electrophoretic Deposition, Microstructure, and Selected Properties of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) Acid-Based Antibacterial Coatings on Mg Substrate
There is an urgent need to develop biodegradable implants that can degrade once they have fulfilled their function. Commercially pure magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have the potential to surpass traditional orthopedic implants due to their good biocom ...
The electrochemical and in-vitro study on electrophoretic deposition of chitosan/gelatin/hydroxyapatite coating on 316L stainless steel
In the present study, chitosan/gelatin/hydroxyapatite (HA) coating was developed on 316L stainless steel (SS) via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). This type of film exhibits a hierarchical structure consisting of hydroxyapatite particles dispersed i ...
Corrosion, surface, and tribological behavior of electrophoretically deposited polyether ether ketone coatings on 316L stainless steel for orthopedic applications
Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) coatings on metallic implants has recently attracted a great deal of interest; however, further investigation into their corrosion, surface, and tribological properties is required for ...
Electrophoretic deposition, microstructure and selected properties of zein/cloves coatings on 316L stainless steel
In the present study, we develop zein coatings containing cloves (flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, a well-known aromatic natural herb) on stainless steel substrates via electrophoretic deposition. The antibacterial activity, drug release, ...
Zn–Mn-Doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticle-Loaded Zein Coatings for Bioactive and Antibacterial Orthopedic Implants
In recent years, natural polymers have replaced synthetic polymers for antibacterial orthopedic applications owing to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Zein is a biopolymer found in corn. The lacking mechanical stability of zein ...