Determination of tribological, biocompatibility and antibiofilm properties of Tungsten-Germanium coating made using magnetron sputtering technique

Germanium and Tungsten are elements commonly used in industry. In this context, 316 L stainless steel and borosilicate glass samples were coated with Germanium and Tungsten using magnetron sputter. In this study, in order to determine the tribological properties of the samples coated and uncoated with Magnetron sputter, Scanning Electron Microscope, X-Ray Diffractometer, Tribometer and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy applications were performed. According to the XRD analyzes performed for the determination of its tribological properties, WGe2 compound (110) showed a dense structure and was observed in the crystal phase. Samples were analyzed in vitro using Primary Dermal Fibroblast (HDFa) to determine their biocompatibility properties. Hoescht 33258 Fluorescent staining, which is a genotoxicity test, was performed to determine chromosomal abnormalities in HDFa cells in Germanium-Tungsten coated samples. In order to analyze cell viability, W-Ge coated, uncoated sample and cells on the plate surface were analyzed by performing MTT, which is an in vitro cell viability test. Antibiofilm activity of samples coated with Magnetron Sputter with W-Ge also showed a significant decrease in biofilm-forming activity of S. aureus and P.aeruginosa, which are common in nature, when compared to control groups. Tribological, biocompatibility and antimicrobial activities of widely used Germanium and Tungsten were investigated in surface coatings and according to the results, it was suggested for the first time as a bio-implant material.