Amorphous Carbon Coatings Inhibit Crystalline Biofilm Formation on Urological Implants

Abstract

Biofilm formation on urological stents remains a major complication in patient care. The study focuses on the ability of different plasma-deposited amorphous carbon coatings (a-C:H) to inhibit encrustation and to reduce implant-related side effects. Film forming particle flux was controlled by variation of precursor gases, pressure and RF-power resulting in different electrochemical and topological surface properties. Optical contact angle measurements were performed to determine the surface free energies of the films. Investigations on crystal adhesion and biofilm formation were performed in vitro and in vivo. Encrustation tendency was remarkably reduced by a-C:H. Compared to commercial stents, the indwelling time could be distinctly prolonged as the implanted stents remained biofilm-free.