Search

Nanostructured biomaterials have been investigated for achieving desirable tissue-material interactions in medical implants. Ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) and nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) coatings are the two most studied classes of synthetic diamond coatings; these materials are grown using chemical vapor deposition and are classified based on their nanostructure, grain size, and sp 3 content. UNCD and NCD are mechanically robust, chemically inert, biocompatible, and wear resistant, making them ideal implant coatings. UNCD and NCD have been recently investigated for ophthalmic, cardiovascular, dental, and orthopaedic device applications. The aim of this study was (a) to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of UNCD and NCD coatings and (b) to determine if variations in surface topography and sp 3 content affect cellular response. Diamond coatings with various nanoscale topographies (grain sizes 5-400 nm) were deposited on silicon substrates using microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed uniform coatings with different scales of surface topography; Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of carbon bonding typical of diamond coatings. Cell viability, proliferation, and morphology responses of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) to UNCD and NCD surfaces were evaluated. The hBMSCs on UNCD and NCD coatings exhibited similar cell viability, proliferation, and morphology as those on the control material, tissue culture polystyrene. No significant differences in cellular response were observed on UNCD and NCD coatings with different nanoscale topographies. Our data shows that both UNCD and NCD coatings demonstrate in vitro biocompatibility irrespective of surface topography.

Nanostructured ZnO films have potential use as coatings on medical devices and food packaging due to their antimicrobial and UV-protection properties. However, their influence on mammalian cells during clinical use is not fully understood. This study investigated the potential cytotoxicity of ZnO thin films in RAW 264.7 macrophages. ZnO thin films (∼96nm thick with a 50nm grain) were deposited onto silicon wafers using pulsed laser deposition. Cells grown directly on ZnO thin film coatings exhibited less toxicity than cells exposed to extracts of the coatings. Cells on ZnO thin films exhibited a 43% and 68% decrease in cell viability using the MTT and 7-AAD/Annexin V flow cytometry assays, respectively, after a 24-h exposure as compared to controls. Undiluted 100% 24- and 48-h extracts decreased viability by 89%, increased cell death by LDH release to 76% 24h after treatment, and increased ROS after 5-24h of exposure. In contrast, no cytotoxicity or ROS were observed for 25% and 50% extracts, indicating a tolerable concentration. Roughly 24 and 34μg/m(2) Zn leached off the surfaces after 24 and 48h of incubation, respectively. ZnO coatings may produce gradual ion release which becomes toxic after a certain level and should be evaluated using both direct exposure and extraction methods., (Published by Elsevier Ltd.)