Multi-layer haemocompatible diamond-like carbon coatings obtained by combined radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and magnetron sputtering

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2013 Dec;24(12):2695-707. doi: 10.1007/s10856-013-5026-y. Epub 2013 Aug 13.

Abstract

Radio-frequency Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (in different methane dilutions) was used to synthesize adherent and haemocompatible diamond-like carbon (DLC) films on medical grade titanium substrates. The improvement of the adherence has been achieved by interposing a functional buffer layer with graded composition TixTiC1-x (x = 0-1) synthesized by magnetron co-sputtering. Bonding strength values of up to ~67 MPa have been measured by pull-out tests. Films with different sp(3)/sp(2) ratio have been obtained by changing the methane concentration in the deposition chamber. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were employed for the physical-chemical characterization of the samples. The highest concentration of sp(3)-C (~87 %), corresponding to a lower DLC surface energy (28.7 mJ/m(2) ), was deposited in a pure methane atmosphere. The biological response of the DLC films was assayed by a state-of-the-art biological analysis method (surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy), in conjunction with other dedicated testing techniques: Western blot and partial thromboplastin time. The data support a cause-effect relationship between sp(3)-C content, surface energy and coagulation time, as well as between platelet-surface adherence properties and protein adsorption profiles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Carbon / chemistry*
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / chemistry*
  • Diamond / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Materials Testing
  • Methane / chemistry
  • Partial Thromboplastin Time
  • Photoelectron Spectroscopy
  • Platelet Adhesiveness
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Surface Properties
  • Titanium / chemistry
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Carbon
  • Diamond
  • Titanium
  • Methane