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

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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 sp3/sp2 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 sp3-C (~87 %), corresponding to a lower DLC surface energy (28.7 mJ/m2 ), 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 sp3-C content, surface energy and coagulation time, as well as between platelet-surface adherence properties and protein adsorption profiles.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research through the PNII-RU-TE-2011-3-0164 (TE 49/2011). A.C. Popescu is grateful for the financial support of PNII-RU-TE-2012-3-0379 (TE 16/2013). The authors thank Eng. D.A. Marcov for helping with the coatings’ preparation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Army Centre for Medical Research, 020012, Bucharest, Romania

    A. C. Popa

  2. Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474, Bucharest, Romania

    A. C. Popa

  3. National Institute of Materials Physics, 077125, Magurele-Bucharest, Romania

    A. C. Popa, G. E. Stan, M. A. Husanu & I. Pasuk

  4. “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096, Bucharest, Romania

    I. D. Popescu

  5. National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125, Magurele-Bucharest, Romania

    A. C. Popescu & I. N. Mihailescu

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  1. A. C. Popa
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Popa, A.C., Stan, G.E., Husanu, M.A. et al. 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 24, 2695–2707 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-013-5026-y

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