Tribological, biocompatibility, and antibiofilm properties of tungsten–germanium coating using magnetron sputtering

Abstract

In this study, borosilicate glass and 316 L stainless steel were coated with germanium (Ge) and tungsten (W) metals using the Magnetron Sputtering System. Surface structural, mechanical, and tribological properties of uncoated and coated samples were examined using SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and tribometer. The XRD results showed that WGe2 chemical compound observed in (110) crystalline phase and exhibited a dense structure. According to the tribological analyses, the adhesion strength of the coated deposition on 316 L was obtained 32.8 N, and the mean coefficient of friction was around 0.3. Biocompatibility studies of coated metallic biomaterials were analyzed on fibroblast cell culture (Primary Dermal Fibroblast; Normal, Human, Adult (HDFa)) in vitro. Hoescht 33258 fluorescent staining was performed to investigate the cellular density and chromosomal abnormalities of the HDFa cell line on the borosilicate glasses coated with germanium–tungsten (W–Ge). Cell viabilities of HDFa cell line on each surface (W–Ge coated borosilicate glass, uncoated borosilicate glass, and cell culture plate surface) were analyzed by using (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) cytotoxicity assay. The antibiofilm activity of W–Ge coated borosilicate glass showed a significant reduction effect on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) adherence compared to control groups. In the light of findings, tungsten and germanium, which are some of the most common industrial materials, were investigated as biocompatible and antimicrobial surface coatings and recommended as bio-implant materials for the first time.

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

“…Previous studies showed that DLC coatings had superior biocompatibility and cell attachment properties in several cell line such as osteoblast, fibroblast, and keratinocytes cell cultures 40–42 . Moreover, geranium based surface modifications were claimed that they have biocompatible properties and these materials did not stimulate toxic features for cell cultures 37,43,44 . In parallel with the literature, DLC–Ge coating supported cell growth and attachment in a favorable manner that cell survival ratio was analyzed to have similar properties to (−) Control with 95% cell viability rate (Figure 3).…”

“…[40][41][42] Moreover, geranium based surface modifications were claimed that they have biocompatible properties and these materials did not stimulate toxic features for cell cultures. 37,43,44 In parallel with the literature, DLC-Ge coating supported cell growth and attachment in a favorable manner that cell survival ratio was analyzed to have similar properties to (À) Control with 95% cell viability rate (Figure 3). After 24 h of seeding, fibroblast cell culture spread was found favorable on the GE-DLC coating compared to uncoated borosilicate glass surface ([+] Control) which was investigated by using Hoechst 33258 fluorescent staining (Figure 4).…”

“…Since, deformations such as pores and cracks were not observed on the surfaces of the coated samples. Also, previous studies claimed lower biocompatible features of borosilicate glass 37 . Thus, by modifying this un‐biocompatible surface with a DLC–Ge coating, it was aimed to enhance biocompatibility properties of borosilicate glass.…”

“…Also, previous studies claimed lower biocompatible features of borosilicate glass. 37 Thus, by modifying this un-biocompatible surface with a DLC-Ge coating, it was aimed to enhance biocompatibility properties of borosilicate glass. As can be seen from the cross-section image of Figure 1B, the thickness of deposited DLC-Ge alloys is $400 nm as measured using a crystal thickness monitor.…”

Titanium Implants and Local Drug Delivery Systems Become Mutual Promoters in Orthopedic Clinics

“…In addition to the antibacterial, antitumor, and osseointegration capabilities of titanium implants—which are the most important in the field of orthopedics—the better biocompatibility of titanium implants is also an indispensable characteristic. RF magnetron sputtering, plasma spraying, and other technologies also play an important role in the preparation of titanium implants; in some reports, achievements have also been made in enhancing the biocompatibility of titanium implants [ 123 , 124 , 125 , 126 ]. In summary, in orthopedic clinics, in order to meet the needs of orthopedics, the processed titanium-based implants should have good physical properties, including elastic modulus, fatigue resistance, etc.…”