Determination of biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties and use in biomedical field of boron nitride-germanium alloy

The biocompatibility, tribological, and antimicrobial properties of coating materials used in biomedical applications are critical factors directly influencing their success. Boron nitride (BN) and germanium (Ge) are two promising candidates as surface modification materials for biomedical devices and implants. Within the scope of this project, the coatings were obtained using a Magnetron Sputter device, and their morphological and chemical analyses were performed using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). To evaluate cell biocompatibility, MTT assays and nuclear staining methods were employed, while antimicrobial activity was assessed against gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. The combination of BN and Ge demonstrated balanced surface performance by integrating the advantages of both materials. Biocompatibility tests revealed that BN coatings supported fibroblast cell proliferation and adhesion, whereas the biocompatibility of Ge coatings could be enhanced through modifications. Antimicrobial tests showed that Ge coatings exhibited significant effects against E. coli, while the BN-Ge combination demonstrated notable activity against S. aureus. Boron nitride coatings emerge as a strong candidate for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, low friction coefficient, and high wear resistance. BN and Ge combinations have the potential to create synergistic effects; however, advanced optimization is required to enhance their efficacy against gram-negative bacteria. These findings indicate that BN and Ge coatings offer innovative solutions for biomedical device applications.