Structural, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of Ge–DLC nanocomposite for biomedical applications

Abstract

Integrative production of new nanocomposites has been used to enhance favorable features of biomaterials for unlocking ultimate potential of different molecules. In the present study, advantageous properties of diamond like carbons (DLC) and germanium (Ge) like greater biocompatibility and antibacterial attributes were aimed to combined into a thin film. For this purpose, 400 nm DLC–Ge nanocomposite was coated on the borosilicate glasses via the magnetron sputtering and surface characteristics was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and The Raman spectrum. Biocompatibility analysis were performed by 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl) (MTT) cell viability assay and Hoechst 33258 fluorescent staining genotoxicity assessments on the human fibroblast cell line (HDFa). Finally, antibacterial properties of DLC–Ge nanocomposite coatings were investigated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) bacterial attachment analysis. As a result of magnetron sputtering coating, nearly 400 nm thick DLC–Ge nanocomposite film showed a smooth, a non‐porous, and a dense characteristic. Cell viability analysis showed that Ge–DLC coatings permits %95 cell surface growth of fibroblast cells. Also, there were no significant difference in aspect of nuclear abnormalities compared to the (−) control which showed nonmutagenic features of the thin film. Finally, antibacterial attachment analysis put forth that Ge–DLC coatings inhibits bacterial adhesion as %40 and %25 rates for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus bacterial strains, respectively. From these results, DLC–Ge nanocomposites could be proposed as a potential new biomaterial for various biomedical applications.

Diamond-like carbon coating to inner surface of polyurethane tube reduces Staphylococcus aureus bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation

“…Some reports have described the anti-bacterial effects of DLC-based hybrid or metal atom-doped coating against S. aureus [ 11 – 13 , 24 ]. However, as far as we searched, there are only two studies describing the anti-bacterial effects of DLC by itself against S. aureus .…”

Synthesis, Characterization, and Wear Behavior of W-DLC Films Deposited on Si Substrates

“…Metallic elements like Ti, Al, Cr, Ni, Co, Ge, etc., when infused into amorphous carbon films, bring forth a new era of potential. By not only alleviating residual stress and fostering robust adhesion but also enhancing tribological properties, these additives usher in a novel dimension of material engineering [22][23][24][25][26][27]. Among these, the incorporation of W, in particular, has garnered attention for its ability to forge high wear resistance, low friction coefficients, and robust adhesion within the amorphous carbon structure [28].…”