Multi-Functional Nanocomposite Plasma Coatings—Enabling New Applications in Biomaterials

Ag/amino-hydrocarbon (Ag/a-C:H:N) nanocomposites' coatings were deposited using RF plasma polymerization/cosputtering techniques with the goal to create multi-functional, biomolecule-adhesive and bacterial-resistant nanocomposites. The influence of Ar/NH3/C2H4 gas mixture and power input was examined using various surface analysis methods. Increasing the NH3/C2H4 ratio of the asymmetric RF discharge was an efficient method to tune both the nitrogen and Ag content of the nanocomposites. The presence of amine groups was confirmed through the substrate-independent dyeing of textiles, thus showing the potential to bind biomolecules. Ag/a-C:H:N coatings were able to reduce Escherichia coli adhesion by 95% for 24 h.