G 292 Osteoblastic Cell Behavior on DLC Coated 316L Stainless Steel for Medical Implants

In this research diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were deposited on AISI316L stainless steel by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. In order to improve adhesion of the coating, plasma nitrocarbuizing method was performed on substrates before DLC deposition. Raman spectra of the coating showed that sp3 fraction of the film was 39%. Biological properties of the uncoated, plasma nitrocarburized and DLC coated samples were analyzed. MTT results showed that 316L stainless steel didn?t have appropriate biocompatibility and nitrocarburizing process and DLC deposition improved the biocompatibility of the samples due to preventing the release of toxic elements such as nickel. Cell viability of the uncoated, plasma nitrocarburized and DLC coated samples was about 29%, 40% and 71% respectively.