Antibacterial property of F doped DLC film with plasma treatment

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) has excellent biocompatibility and is attracting attention as a means of surface modification to improve the antibacterial properties of biomaterials used in medical devices. In this study, we examined the correlation between the physical and antibacterial properties of a fluorine-containing DLC (F-DLC) that received an atmospheric pressure plasma surface treatment using oxygen gas (O-F-DLC). The antibacterial effect of O-F-DLC was investigated with the ISO 22196 film adhesion method. As a result, we achieved an antibacterial effect approximately 100 times that of the control sample. These results suggest that O-F-DLC is effective as a surface treatment technology that can provide antibacterial properties. High light•O-F-DLC films were fabricated using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system and atmospheric pressure plasma treatment method.•O-F-DLC displays antibacterial activity able to suppress the growth of bacteria.•Growing concentration of O increases bactericidal properties of O-F-DLC coatings. [Display omitted]