Fundamental study of fluorine-coated DLC film for preventing infection

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15060
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 26050:Material processing and microstructure control-related
• Research Institution: Shinshu University
• Principal Investigator: Nishimura Naoyuki 信州大学, 先鋭領域融合研究群バイオメディカル研究所, 教授(特定雇用) (10644940)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: DLC / 抗菌性 / フッ素 / 骨誘導能 / 固定性 / 体内埋入型医療機器 / 日本兎 / 平滑性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In recent years, the number of applications has increased due to the development of artificial joints, spinal gauges, etc. On the other hand, the number of infections is also increasing from the early to late stages of surgery. From the perspective of infection prevention, we focused on DLC (diamond-like carbon) as one of the antibacterial treatments, and conducted research with the aim of preventing bacterial adhesion due to the smoothness of DLC coating and inhibiting proliferation by suppressing sugar metabolism with the addition of F (fluorine).
DLC films have been produced using the PBII method, and specified test specimens have been embedded in the distal femur of Japanese rabbits, and the bone tissue and tissue around the test specimens have been observed. Compared to conventional materials, improved bone induction ability was observed. Furthermore, it was found that the introduction of F further improved antibacterial properties.

Free Research Field

生体材料学関連

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

現在適用が増加している体内埋入機器の感染に対する対処方法の1つとして、1）DLCコート（表面の平滑化）や2）Fの添加による抗菌性の向上が確認できた。併せて骨誘導能においても問題がないことを確認した。
このことは将来的にDLCコートだけではなく、同様の表面処理コンセプト、仕様を持つ体内埋入機器を開発することにより、患者に適用される機器に起因する感染症の防止に役立つことになると考えている。