An influence of microorganisms on surfaces covered with diamond-like coatings

An effect of microorganisms on surfaces covered with diamond-like coatings has been studied. Thin carbon films on medical stainless steel have been made using the radio frequency plasma chemical vapor deposition (RF PCVD) method. Three sets of samples covered with carbon coatings under different conditions were used. All samples were inoculated with various microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria. The carbon layers before and after the growth of the microorganism were examined by means of Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscope. It was found that some of the microorganisms very strongly attacked of the surface of carbon coatings and changed their structure.