Carbon coatings for medical implants

Purpose: In this paper we report in vitro and in vivo results of Nanocrystalline Diamond Coatings which are used in medicine onto medical implants The very important property of carbon coatings is the protection living organism against the metalosis. Different medical implants with complicated shapes are covering by Nanocrystalline Diamond Coatings by RF dense plasma CVD. Design/methodology/approach: 1) Material characterizations of deposited coatings have been evaluated by using: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), microX-Ray Spectroscopy and bend test 2) Biological investigation based on: (a) in vivo and (b) in vitro examinations as well (c) clinical investigations – contact allergy. Findings: It was revealed that Nanocrystalline Diamond Coatings form the barrier diffusion between implant and human environment as a consequence prevent leaching of metallic ions into the body. Additionally, the research on carbon coatings proved that diamond layers are biocompatible with living organism. Contact allergy on nickel is inhibited by diamond powders. Practical implications: Practical application metal implants with NCD in orthopedy, cardiosurgery, oral surgery, maxillo-facial surgery and dermatology. Originality/value: We have observed anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and anticancerogenic responses from the carbon coatings layers onto medical implants like wires and screws.