A review of investigations on biocompatibility of diamond-like carbon and carbon nitride films

This paper reviews the present status of studies of biocompatibility of diamond-like carbon (DLC) and carbon nitride (CN) coatings. DLC and CN coatings, due to their novel mechanical and tribological properties, chemical inertness, electrical and optical properties, and biocompatibility, are excellent candidates for biomedical applications. A number of clinical applications for DLC are now being considered by commercial manufacturers of surgical implants. Preliminary studies have shown that DLC coating can be adherent on a range of biomaterials with desirable bulk properties, no toxicity toward living cells, no inflammatory response or loss of cell integrity, as well no cellular damage. Despite only a few reports about biocompatibility of CN coating, which, with its mechanical and chemical properties comparable with DLC, is a very attraction coating material for future biomedical applications. This paper outlines the present level of research and suggests areas for future research, these include in vivo tests and a more detailed investigation of coating bond structure or properties. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.