Papers by Author: C.S. Lambert

Abstract: A great number of studies have shown that diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings could be developed for orthopaedic implants, but few articles have been published about in vivo evaluation. In this study, DLC coatings were deposited on titanium alloy (Ti-13Nb-13Zr) implants using the plasma immersion implantation and deposition (PIII-D), and the in vivo biocompatibility of DLC coatings was evaluated into both muscular tissue and femoral condyles of rats. Results indicate that DLC coatings are biocompatible in vivo, and DLC-coated implants were observed directly bonding to bone without any intervening soft tissue layer.

Abstract: Plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) is a very attractive method for the surface treatment of titanium hard tissue replacements such as hip joints and enhancement of the mechanical, chemical and biological properties of titanium. It has been considered as an alternative to form protective and hard oxide films on titanium and titanium-based implants. In this study, titanium oxide (TiO2) thin films were formed on titanium using PIII, which produces films with adhesion superior to those prepared with conventional techniques. The films were analysed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and pull test.

Abstract: For the potential use of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for biomedical applications, it would be important to evaluate the biological effects of these coatings. In this study, DLC coatings were deposited on glass coverslips using the plasma immersion process, which produces films with adhesion properties superior to those prepared with conventional techniques. Scanning electron microscopic and atomic force microscopic observations were used to study the morphology of fibroblasts growth on DLC coatings.

Abstract: In this study, porous bioceramics (titanium foam with diamond-like carbon coatings, glass foam and zirconium oxide foam) were produced using expansion in vacuum. The porosity, the pore size and pore morphology can be adjusted in agreement with the application. The different 3D structures were obtained by varying the parameters of the process. The microstructure and morphology of the porous materials were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy. The foam exhibit an open-cell structure with interconnected macropores, which provide the potential for tissue ingrowths and the transport of the body fluids.

Abstract: Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings were deposited on titanium alloy (Ti-13Nb-13Zr) by plasma immersion process. DLC-coated Ti alloy and uncoated Ti were investigated in an animal model using the femoral condyles of rats for intervals of 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively. The interface between the implants and bones of the femoral condyles were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) by backscattering. The results showed that the DLC coatings were well tolerated in both periods.

Abstract: Plasma immersion process was investigated as a method for producing bioceramics coatings on metallic implants due to its advantages, which include the production of coatings on three-dimensional workpieces, with high density and superior adhesion. In this process, the oxygen plasma was utilized to form titanium oxide on titanium substrate. The structure, composition and surface morphology were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction. In addition a preliminary study has also been carried out, on TiO2-coated and uncoated titanium substrates, to analyse the in vitro biocompatibility (cytotoxicity evaluation and cell morphology).