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Herein, we evaluated the influence of different experimental parameters to obtain high anti-corrosive anatase TiO2 thin films on stainless steel using a simple and low cost cathodic cage plasma deposition technique at low pressure and temperature. The thin TiO2 films were deposited on duplex stainless-steel (dimension). Different mixtures of O2, H2 and Ar were used and further correlated with resulting structural properties and corrosion resistance. The temperature was kept at 450 °C with a deposition time from 1 to 4 h. Raman spectroscopy, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and a corrosion test were used to evaluate the TiO2 films. A thin TiO2 adherent, crystalline, protective film was obtained when 60% H2/40% Ar was used. Our proposed method to obtain TiO2 films shows promise for use in different industrial applications.

Super duplex stainless steels are widely used in harsh environments due to their high corrosion resistance. However, the improvement of their tribological properties can contribute to a better performance of these materials in service. In this regard, this study aimed to evaluate the application influence of duplex treatment on the tribological properties of the UNS S32760 super duplex stainless steel. Two treatment times, 2 h and 4 h, were studied for both the nitriding step and the cathodic cage plasma deposition step. The results showed that the combination of the nitrided layer and the TiN film, confirmed with the application of Rietveld refinement on the XRD data, contributes to the wear volume decrease by up to 9.41 times. This behaviour was associated with the increase in surface microhardness and the excellent adhesion conditions (HF1) presented by the film deposited over the nitrided layer. The film provided a change in the wear mechanism, evidenced by the reduction in the tendency to wear by scratches. Additionally, was observed the presence of lower oxygen content in the wear region of the treated samples, that can be associated a lower heating of the samples during the test. Thus, the duplex treatment has a great application potential for improving the wear resistance of UNS S32760 steel.

To date is emergent the development of novel coatings to protect erosion, especially to preventive dentistry and restorative dentistry. Here, for the first time we report the effectiveness of multi-walled carbon nanotube/graphene oxide hybrid carbon-base material (MWCNTO-GO) combined with nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) as a protective coating for dentin erosion. Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman), scanning electron (SEM), and transmission electron (TEM) microscopy were used to investigated the coatings and the effect of acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF) treatment on bovine teeth root dentin before and after erosion. The electrochemical corrosion performance of the coating was evaluated. Raman spectra identified that: (i) the phosphate (ν1PO43-) content of dentin was not significantly affected by the treatments and (ii) the carbonate (ν1CO32-) content in dentin increased when nHAp was used. However, the nHAp/MWCNTO-GO composite exposited lower levels of organic matrix (CH bonds) after erosion compared to other treatments. Interesting, SEM micrographs identified that the nHAp/MWCNTO-GO formed layers after erosive cycling when associate with APF treatment, indicating a possible chemical bond among them. Treatments of root dentin with nHAp, MWCNTO-GO, APF_MWCNTO-GO, and APF_nHAp/MWCNTO-GO increased the carbonate content, carbonate/phosphate ratio, and organic matrix band area after erosion. The potentiodynamic polarization curves and Nyquist plot showed that nHAp, MWCNT-GO and nHAp/MWCNT-GO composites acted as protective agents against corrosion process. Clearly, the nHAp/MWCNTO-GO composite was stable after erosive cycling and a thin and acid-resistant film was formed when associated to APF treatment.

Graphene oxide nanoribbons (O-GNR) surges as an interesting nanomaterial for biomedical applications due to feasibility to incorporate functional groups and possible bactericidal properties. Herein, high concentrations of O-GNR were biologically evaluated using human osteoblast cells and gram positive and negative bacteria. Briefly, our goal were to evaluate: (1) synthetic pathway, (2) characterization and (3) effects of O-GNR composition and structural factors as a new approach for biomedical applications. For this, O-GNR were produced combining chemical vapor deposition and oxygen plasma treatment of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Then, we analyzed the bioactivity, cell viability, osteogenic differentiation, matrix mineralization, mRNA levels of the five genes related direct to bone repair and bactericidal effect of high concentrations of O-GNR (10μgmL-1, 100μgmL-1, 200μgmL-1 and 300μgmL-1). Impressively, O-GNR showed no cytotoxic effects up to a concentration of 100μgmL-1 and no gene expression alteration when used in its dose. We also observed that S. aureus and E. coli bacteria are susceptible to damage when incubated with 100μgmL-1 of O-GNR, showing approximately 50% of bacterial death. We consider that O-GNR displays attractive properties when used at a suitable dose, displaying bactericidal effect and apparently lacking to cause damages in the bone repair process.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T17:34:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-07-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Brazilian Innovation Agency (FINEP) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Combining polyester scaffolds with synthetic nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp), which is bioactive and osteoconductive, is a plausible strategy to improve bone regeneration. Here, we propose the combination of PBAT [poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate)] and synthetic nHAp (at 3 and 5 wt%). PBAT is a relatively a new polymer with low crystallinity and attractive biodegradability and mechanical properties for orthopedic applications, however, with a still underexplored potential for in vivo applications. Then, we performed a careful biological in vitro and in vivo set of experiments to evaluate the influence of PBAT containing two different nHAp loads. For in vitro assays, osteoblast-like MG63 cells were used and the bioactivity and gene expression related to osteogenesis were evaluated by qRT-PCR. For in vivo experiments, twenty-four male rats were used and a tibial defect model was applied to insert the scaffolds. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) and histological analysis were used to assess e bone neoformation after 6 weeks of implantation. Three point flexural tests measured the mechanical properties of the neoformed bone. All scaffolds showed promising in vitro properties, since they were not cytotoxic against MG-63 cells and promoted high cell proliferation and formation of mineralized nodules. From a mechanistic point-of-view, nHAp loading increased hydrophilicity, which in turn allowed for a better adsorption of proteins and consequent changes in the phenotypic expression of osteoblasts. nHAp induced better cellular responses on/in the scaffolds, which was mainly attributed to its osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. Micro-CT images showed that nHAp at 3% and 5 wt% led to more effective bone formation, presenting the highest bone volume after 6 weeks of implantation. Considering the three point flexural tests, 5 wt% of nHAp positively influenced the flexural mode of the neoformed bone, but the stiffness was similar between the 3% and 5 wt% groups. In summary, this investigation demonstrated great potential for the application of these novel scaffolds towards bone regeneration and, thus, should be further studied. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved, Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Sci & Technol, Dept Biosci & Oral Diag, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, Brazil Univ Brasil, Lab Biomed Nanotechnol, Itaquera, SP, Brazil Univ Vale Paraiba, Inst Res & Dev IP&D, Lab Biomed Nanotechnol, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, Brazil Harvard Med Sch, Brigham & Womens Hosp, Dept Med, Biomat Innovat Res Ctr, Cambridge, MA USA Northeastern Univ, Dept Chem Engn, Nanomed Lab, Boston, MA 02115 USA Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Sci & Technol, Dept Biosci & Oral Diag, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 2011/17877-7 FAPESP: 2011/20345-7 FAPESP: 2015/09697-0 FAPESP: 2016/00575-1 CNPq: 474090/2013-2 Brazilian Innovation Agency (FINEP): 0113042800 CAPES: 88887.095044/2015-00 FAPESP: 2015/08523-8

Researchers have been looking for modifying surfaces of polymeric biomaterials approved by FDA to obtain nanofeatures and bactericidal properties. If modified, it would be very interesting because the antibiotic administration could be reduced and, therefore, the bacterial resistance. Here, we report the electrospinning of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) with high loadings of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 , 1–5 wt%) and their bactericidal properties. TiO 2 nanoparticles have been recognized for a long time for their antibacterial, low cost and self-cleaning properties. However, their ability to reduce bacteria functions when used in polymers has not been well studied to date. In this context, we aimed here to generate nanostructured PLA electrospun fiber-TiO 2 nanoparticle composites for further evaluation of their bactericidal activity and cell viability. TEM and SEM micrographs revealed the successful electrospinning of PLA/TiO 2 and the generation of polymer-TiO 2 nanostructures. When increasing the TiO 2 concentration, we observed a proportional increase in the nanoparticle density along the fiber and surface. The nanostructured PLA/TiO 2 nanofibers showed no mammalian cell toxicity and, most importantly, possessed bactericidal activity with higher TiO 2 loads. Such results suggest that the present PLA electrospun fiber-TiO 2 nanoparticle composites should be further studied for a wide range of biomedical applications.

Here, we report the electrospinning and further biological evaluation of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds containing low loads of diamond nanoparticles (ND, 0.1–1 wt%). ND particles have been long recognized for their low cost, chemical stability, biocompatibility and ability to work as a cellular growth support. In this context, we aimed to produce electrospun PLA/ND scaffolds to assess their final wettability, bioactivity and cytotoxicity effects. The successful electrospinning of PLA/ND scaffolds was confirmed via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Contact angle measurements showed that all scaffolds ND-loaded presented lower advanced contact angles than neat PLA, pointing their decreased hydrophobicity. The biological assays showed that our PLA/ND scaffolds were not cytotoxic using L929 cells, presented bioactive properties and favoured cell adhesion, especially at low ND loads. These findings indicate the surface improvement and the potential range of applicability of electrospun polyesters ND-loaded for tissue engineering purposes.

We have prepared a novel 3D porous biomaterial combining poly ( dl -lactic acid) (PDLLA) and graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes oxides (MWCNTO-GO) composite. PDLLA as control and a high loading of PDLLA/MWCNTO-GO (50/50 w/w) bioscaffolds were prepared and functionalized. MWCNTs were exfoliated to form MWCNTO-GO by oxygen plasma etching. The later was also applied to enhance the scaffolds wettability, attaching oxygen-containing groups on their surfaces. This approach produced a porous architecture observed by scanning electron microscopy and semi-quantified by electrochemical analysis. The later also indicated a notable increase on the conductivity of PDLLA/MWCNTO-GO scaffold compared to MWCNTO-GO free PDLLA (about 5 orders of magnitudes at low frequencies). Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the MWCNTO-GO acted protecting the PDLLA matrix, enhancing its thermal stability. The PDLLA/MWCNTO-GO scaffolds had significant cellular adhesion, did not present cytotoxicity effect, besides reduced bactericidal proliferation and produced mineralized tissues in SBF media. The metallic MWCNTO-GO powder held together by PDLLA polymer opens a whole new branch of applications, including bioelectroanalyses, drug delivery systems and tissue engineering.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:59:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-02-01 The use of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) in tissue engineering, more specifically in bone regeneration, has been underexplored to date due to its poor mechanical resistance. In order to overcome this drawback, this investigation presents an approach into the preparation of electrospun nanocomposite fibers from PBAT and low contents of superhydrophilic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (sMWCNT) (0.1-0.5 wt.%) as reinforcing agent. We employed a wide range of characterization techniques to evaluate the properties of the resulting electrospun nanocomposites, including Field Emission Scanning Electronic Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electronic Microscopy (TEM), tensile tests, contact angle measurements (CA) and biological assays. FE-SEM micrographs showed that while the addition of sMWCNT increased the presence of beads on the electrospun fibers' surfaces, the increase of the neat charge density due to their presence reduced the fibers' average diameter. The tensile test results pointed that sMWCNT acted as reinforcement in the PBAT electrospun matrix, enhancing its tensile strength (from 1.3 to 3.6 MPa with addition of 0.5 wt.% of sMWCNT) and leading to stiffer materials (lower elongation at break). An evaluation using MG63 cells revealed cell attachment into the biomaterials and that all samples were viable for biomedical applications, once no cytotoxic effect was observed. MG-63 cells osteogenic differentiation, measured by ALP activity, showed that mineralized nodules formation was increased in PBAT/0.5%CNTs when compared to control group (cells). This investigation demonstrated a feasible novel approach for producing electrospun nanocomposites from PBAT and sMWCNT with enhanced mechanical properties and adequate cell viability levels, which allows for a wide range of biomedical applications for these materials. Laboratory of Biomedical Nanotechnology, Institute of Research and Development (IPandD), University of Vale Do Paraiba (UNIVAP), Sao Jose Dos Campos, Av. Shishima Hifumi 2911 Department of Bioscience and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Jose Dos Campos, Av. Engenheiro Francisco Jose Longo 777 Department of Bioscience and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Jose Dos Campos, Av. Engenheiro Francisco Jose Longo 777

A biomineralization processes is disclosed for engineering nanomaterials that support bone repair. The material was fabricated through a hot press process using electrospun poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix covered with hybrid composites of carbon nanotubes/graphene nanoribbons (GNR) and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA). Various scaffolds were devised [nHA/PLA, PLA/GNR, and PLA/nHA/GNR (1 and 3%)] and their structure and morphology characterized through Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Atomic force microscope (AFM). Moreover, thorough biocompatibility and toxicity studies were performed. Here, in vivo studies on toxicity and cytotoxicity were conducted in aqueous dispersions of the biomaterials at concentrations of 30, 60, and 120 μg/mL using the Allium cepa test. Further toxicity studies were performed through hemolysis toxicity tests and genotoxicity tests evaluating the damage index and damage frequencies of DNAs through comet assays with samples of the animals' peripheral blood, marrow, and liver. Additionally, the regenerative activity of the scaffolds was analyzed by measuring the cortical tibiae of rats oophorectomized implanted with the biomaterials. Biochemical analyzes [glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), urea, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were also performed on blood samples. The results suggested a toxicity and cytotoxicity level for the GNR biomaterials at a concentration of 60 and 120 μg/mL, but non-toxicity and cytotoxicity for the 30 μg/mL concentration. The scaffolds obtained at a concentration of 0.3 mg/cm2 were not toxic in the hemolysis test and demonstrated no cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity in the blood, marrow, and liver analyzes of the animals, corroborating data from the biochemical markers of GPT, GOT, and urea. Tissue regeneration was performed in all groups and was more pronounced in the group containing the combination of nHA/GNR (3%), which is consistent with the data obtained for the calcium, serum phosphorus, and ALP concentrations. Consequently, the study indicates that the engineered nanobiomaterial is a promising candidate for bone tissue repair and regenerative applications. Statement of significance The scientific contribution of this study is the engineering of a synthetic hybrid biomaterial, in nanoscale by a pressing and heating process. A biodegradable polymeric matrix was covered on both sides with a carbonated hybrid bioceramic/graphene nanoribbons (GNR), which has hydrophilic characteristics, with chemical elements stoichiometrically similar to bone mineral composition. The nanomaterial displayed promising bone regeneration ability, which is the first example to be used in an osteoporotic animal model. Moreover, detailed biocompatibility and toxicity studies were performed on the nanomaterials and their compositions, which is of great interest for the scientific community.

Cartilage is one of our body's tissues which are not repaired automatically by itself. Problems associated with cartilage are very common worldwide and are considered the leading cause of pain and disability. Smart biomaterial or "Four dimensional" (4D) biomaterials has started emerging as a suitable candidate, which are principally three dimensional (3D) materials that change their morphology or generate a response measured at space and time to physiologic stimuli. In this context, the release of oxygen through hydrogels in contact with water is considered as 4D biomaterials. The objective of this study is to develop strategies to release oxygen in a sustainable and prolonged manner through hydrogels systems to promote chondrocytes survival in oxygen-free environment. The 4D biomaterials are engineered from gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) loaded with calcium peroxide (CPO), which have the ability to generate oxygen in a controlled and sustained manner for up to 6 days. The incorporation of CPO into the hydrogel system provided materials with enhanced mechanical and porosity properties. Furthermore, the hydrogels promoted chondrocyte survival and reduced cell death under oxygen-free conditions.

In several tumors the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is frequently disrupted, an event that results in uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor growth. Through the years, several compounds have been developed to inhibit the pathway at different steps: the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) seemed to be the most qualified target. However, this kinase has such a key role in cell survival that mechanisms of resistance are rapidly developed. Nevertheless, clinical results obtained with mTOR inhibitors in breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors and mantle cell lymphoma push oncologists to actively further develop these drugs, maybe by better selecting the population to which they are offered, through the research of predictive factors of responsiveness. In this review, we aim to describe mechanisms of resistance to mTOR inhibitors, from preclinical and clinical perspectives.

A vast growing problem in orthopaedic medicine is the increase of clinical cases with antibiotic resistant pathogenic microbes, which is predicted to cause higher mortality than all cancers combined by 2050. Bone infectious diseases limit the healing ability of tissues and increase the risk of future injuries due to pathologic tissue remodelling. The traditional treatment for bone infections has several drawbacks and limitations, such as lengthy antibiotic treatment, extensive surgical interventions, and removal of orthopaedic implants and/or prosthesis, all of these resulting in long-term rehabilitation. This is a huge burden to the public health system resulting in increased healthcare costs. Current technologies e.g. co-delivery systems, where antibacterial and osteoinductive agents are delivered encounter challenges such as site-specific delivery, sustained and prolonged release, and biocompatibility. In this review, these aspects are highlighted to promote the invention of the next generation biomaterials to prevent and/or treat bone infections and promote tissue regeneration.

Large amounts of nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp)-multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites are produced by two different aqueous precipitation methods. The ultrasonic irradiation (UI) and slow-drip addition under continuous magnetic stirring (DMS) methods were used to investigate the precipitation of nHAp acicular crystals. Calcium-nitrate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, and ammonium hydroxide were used as precursor reagents. Superhydrophilic MWCNT were also employed. XPS analysis evidences that the functionalized MWCNTs are composed of 18 to 20 at.% of oxygen and that this property influences the nHAp formation. The high surface area of the MWCNT decreases the mean free path of ions, favoring the nHAp formation assisted by UI. The crystallinity was evaluated using the Scherrer equation. Semi-qualitative energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis showed that the main components of HAp powders were calcium and phosphorus in the ratio Ca/P around of 1.67. Bioactivity properties of the nHAp/MWCNT-UI nanocomposites could be evaluated after 14 days soaking in simulated body fluid medium. Scanning electron microscopy, EDS, Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques proved that the apatites formed on the surface and to points that the nHAp/MWCNT-UI have potential biological applications.

Nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) powders were produced via aqueous precipitation by adopting four different experimental conditions, assisted or non-assisted by ultrasound irradiation (UI). The nHAp powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, Raman and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, which showed typical surface chemical compositions of nHAp. Analysis found strong connections between UI and the crystallization process, crystal growth properties, as well as correlations between calcination and substitution reactions.

The coating of orthopedic prostheses with diamond like-carbon (DLC) has been actively studied in the past years, in order to improve mechanical, tribological properties and promote the material's biocompatibility. Recently, the incorporation of crystalline diamond nanoparticles into the DLC film has shown effective in combating electrochemical corrosion in acidic medias. This study examines the material's biocompatibility through testing by LDH release and MTT, on in vitro fibroblasts; using different concentrations of diamond nanoparticles incorporated into the DLC film. Propounding its potential use in orthopedics in order to increase the corrosion resistance of prostheses and improve their relationship with the biological environment.

The combination of low friction, wear resistance, high hardness, biocompatibility and chemical inertness makes diamond-like carbon (DLC) films suitable in a numerous applications in biomedical engineering. The cell viability and adhesion of L929 mouse fibroblasts was investigated using two different colorimetric assays: (i) 2-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-3,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and (ii) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The films were growth on 316L stainless steel substrates using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique from a dispersion of TiO2 nanopowder in hexane. The increasing concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles in DLC films enhanced the mitochondrial activity and decreases the LDH activity on these samples. Fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy corroborate the results. These experiments show the potential use of DLC and TiO2-DLC films in biomedical applications.

a b s t r a c t a r t i c l e i n f o In this paper, we introduce a new biomimetic mineralization method employing nanohydroxyapatite/ superhydrophilic vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube (HA/VAMWCNT) nanocomposites as highly stable template materials. The biomineralization was obtained after HA/VAMWCNT nanocomposites were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Structural analysis revealed that the polycrystalline biological apatites were formed due to the high crystallinity of the produced nanohydroxyapatite (HA). These new nanocomposites are a very promising nanobiomaterial due to their excellent calci fication in vitro process.

This work studied oxygen plasma treatment, at different times, on vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube (VACNT) surfaces using the pulsed-discharge plasma technique. As-grown VACNT surfaces were superhydrophobic. Pure oxygen plasma etching modified VACNT surfaces to get a superhydrophilic behavior after only 2 min. Contact angle and surface energy measurements by the sessile drop method examined the VACNT surface wetting. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy showed the heavy grafting of oxygen-groups onto VACNT surfaces after oxygen plasma etching. The results showed the great influence of polar groups on wetting behavior, with a strong correlation between the polar part of the surface energy and the oxygen content on the VACNT surfaces. These findings proved that oxygen plasma etching is a rapid and efficient method for functionalization of VACNT surfaces.

We have analyzed the adhesion of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) genetically modified by green fluorescence protein (GFP) gene cultured on vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) after 6 days. The VACNTs films grown on Ti were obtained by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition process using Fe catalyst and submitted to an oxygen plasma treatment, for 2 min, at 400 V and 80 mTorr, to convert them to superhydrophilic. Cellular adhesion and morphology were analyzed by scanning electron, fluorescence microscopy, and thermodynamics analysis. Characterizations of superhydrophilic VACNTs films were evaluated by contact angle and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Differences of crowd adhered cells, as well as their spreading on superhydrophilic VACNTs scaffolds, were evaluated using focal adhesion analysis. This study was the first to demonstrate, in real time , that the wettability of VACNTs scaffolds might have enhanced and differential adherence patterns to the MEF-GFP on VACNTs substrates.

For the first time, we show that Tritrichomonas foetus can adhere on superhydrophilic vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT) films. Scanning electron microscopy shows an unusual adhesion with a higher membrane filopodium projection in all directions, directly attached to superhydrophilic VACNT tips.

Crystalline diamond (CD) particles have been incorporated in diamond-like carbon (DLC) film structure in order to improve DLC electrochemical corrosion resistance. This paper shows the investigation of CD-DLC friction behavior according to the CD average sizes and concentration. The films were growth over 304 stainless steel using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The response surface methodology was used to develop a mathematical modeling of friction for these films, using the experimental results, in order to identify parameters that control friction and construct tribological maps according to the CD average sizes. The presence of bigger CD particles (250 and 500 nm) increased the film roughness. Films with CD particles of 4 nm presented the most homogeneous friction map, with minor variation in friction coefficient with the increase/decrease of load and sliding speed even when the CD concentration increase. This result suggests that in CD-DLC films containing CD particles of 4 nm average size, the nanoparticles are better incorporated in DLC structure due to its average size (4 nm) that is near than DLC grain size and could occupy the nanospaces between DLC grains.

This paper discusses the seawater and saline solutions effects on the tribological behavior of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films. The adsorption of Fe on DLC surface is one of the mechanisms that is believed to be the cause of the decrease in dispersive component of the surface energy and increase of the I D /I G ratio leading to low friction coefficient and wear rate under corrosive environments. Tribological behaviors DLC films were experimentally evaluated under corrosive environments by using steel ball and DLC coated steel flat under rotational sliding conditions. The DLC films were prepared on 440 stainless steel disks by DC-pulsed PECVD using methane as a precursor gas. Two different set of tribological system was assembled, one when the liquids and the pairs were put inside of a stainless steel vessel and others inside of a PTFE. Every tribological test was performed under 10 N normal load120 mms − 1 of sliding speed. The friction coefficients were evaluated during 1000 cycles.

Diamond-like carbon films have unique properties for biological and medical applications due to their excellent biocompatibility, chemical inertness, and superior mechanical properties. In order to attend biomedical applications, there is an increasing interest in developing antibacterial coatings. In this paper, we investigated the bactericidal properties of diamond-like carbon films produced using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The films were deposited over 316L stainless steel substrates using a pulsed directly current discharge of methane gas. Diamond-like carbon structural quality was evaluated using Raman scattering spectroscopy. The bacterial adhesion and bactericidal activity of the coating was evaluated against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. These tests show diamond-like carbon bactericidal activity ranged between 25 and 55%, depending on the kind of bacteria. The bacterial adhesion on diamond-like carbon surface was influenced by its structure, chemical bonds and hydrogen content. The low surface roughness did not have decisive effect on its antibacterial performance.

The purpose of this paper is to show the production and characterization of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films with incorporated crystalline diamond (CD), produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. CD-DLC films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and Raman scattering spectroscopy. Wetting contact angle, stress and friction coefficient were also evaluated. Our results demonstrated CD-DLC films are more hydrogenated and hydrophobic, with higher fiction coefficient. The stress values kept almost constantly.

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films have been the focus of extensive research in recent years due to its potential application as surface coatings on biomedical devices. It has been already reported that fluorine (F) could increase DLC antibacterial activity. In this paper we investigated the antibacterial activity of fluorinated-DLC (F-DLC) films with various F contents and its correlation with bacterial adhesion mechanism according to thermodynamic theory. F-DLC was grown on a 316L stainless steel substrate using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) by varying the ratio of carbon tetrafluoride and methane. The antibacterial tests were performed against E. coli and the influence of F content on composition, surface energy, stress and surface roughness was also investigated. As F content increased, F-DLC films presented lower stress and surface free energy. In addition, the roughness values increased and Raman G-band peak position shifted to higher wave numbers. The results show that bacterial adhesion to F-DLC films decreases with increasing F content and work of adhesion, which is consistent with the thermodynamic theory. PECVD is a simple technique to produce F-DLC films to be used in biomedical applications.

Crystalline diamond (CD) particles are incorporated into diamond-like carbon (DLC) films in order to prevent CD–DLC electrochemical corrosion. In this paper, the influence of the diamond particle sizes on the electrochemical corrosion resistance of CD–DLC films was investigated. The films were grown over 304 stainless steel using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. CD particles with 4 nm, 250 nm, 500 nm and 2–3 µm in diameter were incorporated into DLC during the deposition process. The investigation of CD–DLC electrochemical corrosion behavior was performed using potentiodynamic method. The results show that both protection efficiency and impedance increase with the decrease of I D / I G ratio. It means the increase of sp 3 bonds in DLC films reduces its electrochemical corrosion, improving the electrochemical protection efficiency and the impedance. Our results pointed out that CD–DLC films are promising corrosion protective coatings in aggressive solutions.

The combination of chemical and mechanical properties of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films opens the possibilities for its use in electrochemical applications. DLC electrochemical corrosion behavior is heavily dependent on deposition techniques and precursor gas. Fluorinated-DLC combines the superlative properties of diamond and teflon and becomes one of the most suitable coating for tribological applications. F-DLC was grown over 316L stainless steel using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition by varying the ratio of carbon tetrafluoride and methane. The influence of fluorine content on deposition rate, composition, bonding structure, surface energy, hardness, stress, and surface roughness was investigated. Emphasis was placed on the investigation of F-DLC electrochemical corrosion behavior, which was tested by potentiodynamic method. As F content increased, F-DLC films presented lower stress, hardness values and surface free energy. In addition, Raman G-band peak position shifted to higher frequency. The corrosion potential becomes more negative and the anodic and cathodic current densities decreased with the increase of F content, as compared to the pure DLC and the substrates. These results were confirmed by Nyquist plot, which shows a stronger ohmic behavior for F-DLC and Bode plots with different corrosion behaviors. The electrochemical analysis indicated F-DLC films present superior impedance, polarization resistance and breakdown potential as compared to the pure DLC, which indicate they are promising corrosion protective coating in aggressive solutions.

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films have been the focus of extensive research in recent years due to their potential applications as surface coatings on biomedical devices. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the anatase crystalline form is a strong bactericidal agent when exposed to near-UV light. In this work we investigate the bactericidal activity of DLC films containing TiO2 nanoparticles. The films were grown on 316L stainless-steel substrates from a dispersion of TiO2 in hexane using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The composition, bonding structure, surface energy, stress, and surface roughness of these films were also evaluated. The antibacterial tests were performed against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the results were compared to the bacterial adhesion force to the studied surfaces. The presence of TiO2 in DLC bulk was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. As TiO2 content increased, I(D)/I(G) ratio, hydrogen content, and roughness also increased; the films became more hydrophilic, with higher surface free energy and the interfacial energy of bacteria adhesion decreased. Experimental results show that TiO2 increased DLC bactericidal activity. Pure DLC films were thermodynamically unfavorable to bacterial adhesion. However, the chemical interaction between the E. coli and the studied films increased for the films with higher TiO2 concentration. As TiO2 bactericidal activity starts its action by oxidative damage to the bacteria wall, a decrease in the interfacial energy of bacteria adhesion causes an increase in the chemical interaction between E. coli and the films, which is an additional factor for the increasing bactericidal activity. From these results, DLC with TiO2 nanoparticles can be useful for producing coatings with antibacterial properties.

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films have been use in numerous industrial applications due to its mechanical properties such as low friction coefficient, high hardness, and high adherence on different substrate materials. It has been demonstrated that the DLC surface can be modified with oxygen plasma treatment. The purpose of this paper is to study two kinds of surface treatments (atmospheric and low pressures) using oxygen gas for different etching exposure times in DLC films. Plasma durability along the time was also evaluated. DLC films were deposited using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The properties of DLC treated for both techniques in different exposure times were investigated through Raman, AFM and contact angle measurements. D band position slightly shifts toward lower wave numbers after oxygen plasma etching treatment whilst the surface becomes rougher, although the roughness values are still lower. A conventional wetting contact angle method was used to study the surface properties of DLC films with different treatments. The wetting contact angle reduced significantly due to the increase of carbon–oxygen sites on the surface.

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) film as a solid lubricant coating represents an important area of investigation related to space devices. The environment for such devices involves high vacuum and high concentration of atomic oxygen. The purpose of this paper is to study the behavior of silver-incorporated DLC thin films against oxygen plasma etching. Silver nanoparticles were produced through an electrochemical process and incorporated into DLC bulk during the deposition process using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The presence of silver does not affect significantly DLC quality and reduces by more than 50% the oxygen plasma etching. Our results demonstrated that silver nanoparticles protect DLC films against etching process, which may increase their lifetime in low earth orbit environment.

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films can be used in a numerous industrial applications, including biomedical coatings with bactericidal properties. It has been demonstrated that DLC surface can be modified with oxygen plasma treatment. The purpose of this paper is to study the wettability and bactericidal activity of oxygen plasma-treated DLC films produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The sp3/sp2 ratio increased after the treatment due to the increase in the generation of the unstable carbon bonds caused by the energetic ions, especially O–H group. The treated DLC surface becomes superhydrophilic and rougher, although the roughness values are still lower. DLC antibacterial activity did not increased with plasma treatment. Therefore, oxygen plasma treatment can be used to make superhydrophilic DLC but not to increase its bactericidal properties.

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films have been the focus of extensive research in recent years due to its potential application as surface coatings on biomedical devices. Doped carbon films are also useful as biomaterials. As silver (Ag) is known to be a potent antibacterial agent, Ag–DLC films have been suggested to be potentially useful in biomedical applications. In this paper, DLC films were growth on 316L stainless steel substrates by using Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD) technique with a thin amorphous silicon interlayer. Silver colloidal solution was produced by eletrodeposition of silver electrodes in distilled water and during the deposition process it was sprayed among each 25 nm thickness layer DLC film. The antibacterial activity of DLC, Ag–DLC and silver colloidal solution were evaluated by bacterial eradication tests with Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) at different incubation times. With the increase of silver nanoparticle layers in Ag–DLC, the total compressive stress decreased significantly. Raman spectra showed the film structure did not suffer any substantial change due to the incorporation of silver. The only alteration suffered was a slightly reduction in hardness. DLC and Ag–DLC films demonstrated good results against E. coli , meaning that DLC and Ag–DLC can be useful to produce coatings with antibacterial properties for biomedical industry.

The bactericidal activity of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films produced with high deposition rates was measured against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (E. coli). Also, the DLC structural quality, hardness and total compressive stress were evaluated by using Raman scattering spectroscopy, nanoindentation and perfilometry. Our results show DLC films produced with good quality, low internal compressive stress and high hardness even with high deposition rates. Antibacterial tests show DLC films kill about 30% of E. coli, which means it is possible to use super-hard DLC films as an antibacterial device produced in a large scale.

Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) particles were incorporated into diamond-like carbon (DLC) films in order to investigate NCD-DLC electrochemical corrosion resistance. The films were grown over 304 stainless steel using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. NCD particles were incorporated into DLC during the deposition process. The investigation of NCD-DLC electrochemical corrosion behavior was performed using potentiodynamic polarization against NaCl. NCD-DLC films presented more negative corrosion potential and lower anodic and cathodic current densities. The electrochemical analysis indicated that NCD-DLC films present superior impedance and polarization resistance compared to the pure DLC, which indicate that they are promising corrosion protective coatings in aggressive solutions.