Biomedical Applications of Diamond-like Carbon Coatings: A Review

Ritwik Kumar Roy, Kwang-Ryeol Lee
 

Owing to its superior tribological and mechanical properties with corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and haemocompatibility, diamond like carbon (DLC) has emerged as a promising material for biomedical applications. DLC films with various atomic bond structures and compositions are finding places in orthopaedic, cardiovascular and dental applications. Cell grew on DLC coating without any cytotoxity and inflammation. DLC coatings in orthopedic application reduced wear, corrosion and debris formation. DLC coating also reduced thrombogenicity by improving anticoagulation property to minimize the platelet adsorption and activation. However, some contradictory results were also reported that no significant improvement was observed in the performance of DLC coated stainless stent or DLC coated femoral head. This controversy should be discussed based on the detail informations of the coating such as atomic bond structure, composition and/or electronic structure. In addition, instability of the DLC coating caused by its high level of residual stress and poor adhesion in aqueous environment should be carefully considered. Further in vivo studies are thus required to confirm its use for medical devices.