Investigation of the antimicrobial properties of modified multilayer diamond-like carbon coatings on 316 stainless steel

Modified diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings were deposited onto 25mm diameter 316 stainless steel discs by pulsed (direct current) hollow cathode plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (HC-PECVD). Multilayer films of total thickness 1–2μm were deposited, both with and without germanium dopant. C...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Surface & coatings technology 2017-03, Vol.314, p.72-78
Main Authors: Robertson, Shaun N, Gibson, Des, MacKay, William G, Reid, Stuart, Williams, Craig, Birney, Imogen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anti-biofouling
Microbial biofilm prevention
Modified diamond like carbon
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Summary:Modified diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings were deposited onto 25mm diameter 316 stainless steel discs by pulsed (direct current) hollow cathode plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (HC-PECVD). Multilayer films of total thickness 1–2μm were deposited, both with and without germanium dopant. Characterisation of the coatings was performed by SEM/EDX, surface energy/contact angle analysis, and assessment of possible biofilm-inhibiting properties. Both modified DLC and germanium-doped DLC (Ge-DLC) coatings showed a significant anti-biofouling effect on P. aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium. A 90% reduction in P. aeruginosa biomass was observed compared to control for both DLC and Ge-DLC, however this effect could not be attributed to germanium incorporation alone. Neither modified DLC nor Ge-DLC showed a significant inhibitory effect on S. aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium. Scanning electron microscopy of P. aeruginosa biofilms on Ge-DLC coated 316 stainless steel clearly displayed disruption of the cellular wall, as well as leakage of cellular components; this effect was not observed with modified DLC coating. This suggests that germanium-doped DLC coatings may potentially exhibit a cidal mode of action versus P. aeruginosa biofilms. •Multilayer DLC and Ge-DLC coatings were developed for SS316.•Ge-DLC showed increased SFE compared to DLC due to increased polar component.•Anti-biofilm effect of DLC and Ge-DLC on Gram-negative bacteria was demonstrated.•Ge-DLC showed potential cidal activity versus P. aeruginosa but not S. aureus.
ISSN:0257-8972
1879-3347
DOI:10.1016/j.surfcoat.2016.11.035