Science and technology of multifunctional/low-cost ultra nano- crystalline diamond (UNCDTM) coatings and applications to a new generation of external and implantable medical devices

UNCD films, developed/patented by Auciello and colleagues, are grown on many substrates by novel MPCVD and HFCVD technique, using Ar/CH4 chemistry, producing films with 2-5 nm grains. The UNCD films exhibit the lowest friction coefficient (0.02-0.04) compared with metals (≥ 0.5) currently used in many prostheses (e.g., hips, knees), electrically conductive Nitrogen- doped N-UNCD coatings enable a new generation of corrosion resistant electrodes, UNCD coatings are the best biocompatible material, made of C atoms (element of life in the human DNA, cells, and molecules). OBI-USA/OBI-México are developing new generations of external and implantable medical devices based on UNCD coatings, namely: a) UNCD-coated silicon-microchip implantable inside the eye as key component of artificial retina, returning partial vision to people blind by genetically-induced degeneration of photoreceptors (Argus II device marketed by Second Sight in Europe and USA); b) new generation of Li-ion batteries with ≥ 10x longer life and safer, using UNCD-coated electrodes, membranes and inner wall battery case, enabling ≥ 15-20 years defibrillator/pacemakers and cell phones charged every 2-3 days; c) new generation of implantable prostheses (e.g., dental implants, hips, knees) coated with UNCD eliminates failure of current metal-implants due to mechanical wear / chemical corrosion by body fluids; d) N-UNCD-coated polymer with brain neurons tailored stiffness enables less invasive neural stimulation electrodes; e) UNCD- coated masks for trapping more efficiently COVID-19 virus, due to ≤ 20 nm pores vs micron size pores in current masks; f) Electrically conductive/water corrosion resistant Boron-doped UNCD-coated metal electrodes for water purification and cleaning of mask via generation of ozone, killing all virus, bacteria, and every pathogen on surfaces.

Author(s): Orlando Auciello

Abstract | PDF

Share This Article