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Negut I, Bita B. Polymersomes as Innovative, Stimuli-Responsive Platforms for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:463. [PMID: 38675124 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the urgent need for more targeted and less toxic cancer treatments by exploring the potential of multi-responsive polymersomes. These advanced nanocarriers are engineered to deliver drugs precisely to tumor sites by responding to specific stimuli such as pH, temperature, light, hypoxia, and redox conditions, thereby minimizing the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. We discuss the design, synthesis, and recent applications of polymersomes, emphasizing their ability to improve therapeutic outcomes through controlled drug release and targeted delivery. Moreover, we highlight the critical areas for future research, including the optimization of polymersome-biological interactions and biocompatibility, to facilitate their clinical adoption. Multi-responsive polymersomes emerge as a promising development in nanomedicine, offering a pathway to safer and more effective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Negut
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Bogdan Bita
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Magurele, Romania
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania
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Barbinta-Patrascu ME, Nichita C, Bita B, Antohe S. Biocomposite Materials Derived from Andropogon halepensis: Eco-Design and Biophysical Evaluation. Materials (Basel) 2024; 17:1225. [PMID: 38473696 DOI: 10.3390/ma17051225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
This research work presents a "green" strategy of weed valorization for developing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with promising interesting applications. Two types of AgNPs were phyto-synthesized using an aqueous leaf extract of the weed Andropogon halepensis L. Phyto-manufacturing of AgNPs was achieved by two bio-reactions, in which the volume ratio of (phyto-extract)/(silver salt solution) was varied. The size and physical stability of Andropogon-AgNPs were evaluated by means of DLS and zeta potential measurements, respectively. The phyto-developed nanoparticles presented good free radicals-scavenging properties (investigated via a chemiluminescence technique) and also urease inhibitory activity (evaluated using the conductometric method). Andropogon-AgNPs could be promising candidates for various bio-applications, such as acting as an antioxidant coating for the development of multifunctional materials. Thus, the Andropogon-derived samples were used to treat spider silk from the spider Pholcus phalangioides, and then, the obtained "green" materials were characterized by spectral (UV-Vis absorption, FTIR ATR, and EDX) and morphological (SEM) analyses. These results could be exploited to design novel bioactive materials with applications in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela-Elisabeta Barbinta-Patrascu
- Department of Electricity, Solid-State Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 405 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Cornelia Nichita
- CTT-3Nano-SAE Research Center, Faculty of Physics, ICUB, University of Bucharest, MG-38, 405 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
- National Institute for Chemical-Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 112 Vitan Avenue, 031299 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Bita
- Department of Electricity, Solid-State Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 405 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Magurele, 077125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stefan Antohe
- Department of Electricity, Solid-State Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 405 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov Street 3, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
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Zarif ME, Bita B, Yehia-Alexe SA, Negut I, Groza A. Spectral Analysis of Strontium-Doped Calcium Phosphate/Chitosan Composite Films. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4245. [PMID: 37959925 PMCID: PMC10647319 DOI: 10.3390/polym15214245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Strontium-doped calcium phosphate/chitosan films were synthetized on silicon substrates using the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering technique and the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique. The deposition conditions associated with the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering discharge, in particular, include the high temperature at the substrate, which promotes the formation of strontium-doped tetra calcium phosphate layers. The physical and chemical processes associated with the deposition of chitosan on strontium-doped calcium phosphate layers were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Mass spectrometry coupled with laser induced ablation of the composite films proved to be a useful tool in the detection of the molecular ions characteristic to chitosan chemical structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Zarif
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (M.E.Z.); (B.B.); (S.A.Y.-A.); (I.N.)
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Bita
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (M.E.Z.); (B.B.); (S.A.Y.-A.); (I.N.)
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
| | - Sasa Alexandra Yehia-Alexe
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (M.E.Z.); (B.B.); (S.A.Y.-A.); (I.N.)
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
| | - Irina Negut
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (M.E.Z.); (B.B.); (S.A.Y.-A.); (I.N.)
| | - Andreea Groza
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (M.E.Z.); (B.B.); (S.A.Y.-A.); (I.N.)
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Negut I, Bita B. Exploring the Potential of Artificial Intelligence for Hydrogel Development-A Short Review. Gels 2023; 9:845. [PMID: 37998936 PMCID: PMC10670215 DOI: 10.3390/gels9110845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
AI and ML have emerged as transformative tools in various scientific domains, including hydrogel design. This work explores the integration of AI and ML techniques in the realm of hydrogel development, highlighting their significance in enhancing the design, characterisation, and optimisation of hydrogels for diverse applications. We introduced the concept of AI train hydrogel design, underscoring its potential to decode intricate relationships between hydrogel compositions, structures, and properties from complex data sets. In this work, we outlined classical physical and chemical techniques in hydrogel design, setting the stage for AI/ML advancements. These methods provide a foundational understanding for the subsequent AI-driven innovations. Numerical and analytical methods empowered by AI/ML were also included. These computational tools enable predictive simulations of hydrogel behaviour under varying conditions, aiding in property customisation. We also emphasised AI's impact, elucidating its role in rapid material discovery, precise property predictions, and optimal design. ML techniques like neural networks and support vector machines that expedite pattern recognition and predictive modelling using vast datasets, advancing hydrogel formulation discovery are also presented. AI and ML's have a transformative influence on hydrogel design. AI and ML have revolutionised hydrogel design by expediting material discovery, optimising properties, reducing costs, and enabling precise customisation. These technologies have the potential to address pressing healthcare and biomedical challenges, offering innovative solutions for drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound healing, and more. By harmonising computational insights with classical techniques, researchers can unlock unprecedented hydrogel potentials, tailoring solutions for diverse applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Negut
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Bita
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Magurele, Romania
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Negut I, Gradisteanu-Pircalabioru G, Dinu M, Bita B, Parau AC, Grumezescu V, Ristoscu C, Chifiriuc MC. Bioglass and Vitamin D3 Coatings for Titanium Implants: Osseointegration and Corrosion Protection. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2772. [PMID: 37893145 PMCID: PMC10604371 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of MAPLE synthesized thin films based on BG and VD3 for improving the osseointegration and corrosion protection of Ti-like implant surfaces is reported. The distribution of chemical elements and functional groups was shown by FTIR spectrometry; the stoichiometry and chemical functional integrity of thin films after MAPLE deposition was preserved, optimal results being revealed especially for the BG+VD3_025 samples. The morphology and topography were examined by SEM and AFM, and revealed surfaces with many irregularities, favoring a good adhesion of cells. The thin films' cytotoxicity and biocompatibility were evaluated in vitro at the morphological, biochemical, and molecular level. Following incubation with HDF cells, BG57+VD3_ 025 thin films showed the best degree of biocompatibility, as illustrated by the viability assay values. According to the LDH investigation, all tested samples had higher values compared to the unstimulated cells. The evaluation of cell morphology was performed by fluorescence microscopy following cultivation of HDF cells on the obtained thin films. The cultivation of HDF's on the thin films did not induce major cellular changes. Cells cultured on the BG57+VD3_025 sample had similar morphology to that of unstimulated control cells. The inflammatory profile of human cells cultured on thin films obtained by MAPLE was analyzed by the ELISA technique. It was observed that the thin films did not change the pro- and anti-inflammatory profile of the HDF cells, the IL-6 and IL-10 levels being similar to those of the control sample. The wettability of the MAPLE thin films was investigated by the sessile drop method. A contact angle of 54.65° was measured for the sample coated with BG57+VD3_025. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy gave a valuable insight into the electrochemical reactions occurring on the surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Negut
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG 36, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (I.N.); (B.B.); (V.G.)
| | - Gratiela Gradisteanu-Pircalabioru
- eBio-Hub Research Center, University Politehnica of Bucharest—CAMPUS, 6 Iuliu Maniu Boulevard, 061344 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Str., District 5, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Dinu
- National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics-INOE2000, 409 Atomistilor St., 077125 Magurele, Romania; (M.D.); (A.C.P.)
| | - Bogdan Bita
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG 36, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (I.N.); (B.B.); (V.G.)
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Anca Constantina Parau
- National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics-INOE2000, 409 Atomistilor St., 077125 Magurele, Romania; (M.D.); (A.C.P.)
| | - Valentina Grumezescu
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG 36, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (I.N.); (B.B.); (V.G.)
| | - Carmen Ristoscu
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG 36, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (I.N.); (B.B.); (V.G.)
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Str., District 5, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- The Romanian Academy, Calea Victoriei 25, District 1, 010071 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
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Negut I, Bita B. Polymeric Micellar Systems-A Special Emphasis on "Smart" Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030976. [PMID: 36986837 PMCID: PMC10056703 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Concurrent developments in anticancer nanotechnological treatments have been observed as the burden of cancer increases every year. The 21st century has seen a transformation in the study of medicine thanks to the advancement in the field of material science and nanomedicine. Improved drug delivery systems with proven efficacy and fewer side effects have been made possible. Nanoformulations with varied functions are being created using lipids, polymers, and inorganic and peptide-based nanomedicines. Therefore, thorough knowledge of these intelligent nanomedicines is crucial for developing very promising drug delivery systems. Polymeric micelles are often simple to make and have high solubilization characteristics; as a result, they seem to be a promising alternative to other nanosystems. Even though recent studies have provided an overview of polymeric micelles, here we included a discussion on the "intelligent" drug delivery from these systems. We also summarized the state-of-the-art and the most recent developments of polymeric micellar systems with respect to cancer treatments. Additionally, we gave significant attention to the clinical translation potential of polymeric micellar systems in the treatment of various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Negut
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, Magurele, 077125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Bita
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, Magurele, 077125 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
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Ciobanu CS, Nica IC, Dinischiotu A, Iconaru SL, Chapon P, Bita B, Trusca R, Groza A, Predoi D. Novel Dextran Coated Cerium Doped Hydroxyapatite Thin Films. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14091826. [PMID: 35566996 PMCID: PMC9104439 DOI: 10.3390/polym14091826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Dextran coated cerium doped hydroxyapatite (Ca10-xCex(PO4)6(OH)2), with x = 0.05 (5CeHAp-D) and x = 0.1 (10CeHAp-D) were deposited on Si substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique for the first time. The morphology, composition, and structure of the resulting coatings were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), metallographic microscopy (MM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES), respectively. The obtained information on the surface morphologies, composition and structure was discussed. The surface morphologies of the CeHAp-D composite thin films are smooth with no granular structures. The constituent elements of the CeHAp-D target were identified. The results of the FTIR measurements highlighted the presence of peaks related to the presence of ν1, ν3, and ν4 vibration modes of (PO43−) groups from the hydroxyapatite (HAp) structure, together with those specific to the dextran structure. The biocompatibility assessment of 5CeHAp-D and 10CeHAp-D composite coatings was also discussed. The human cells maintained their specific elongated morphology after 24 h of incubation, which confirmed that the behavior of gingival fibroblasts and their proliferative capacity were not disturbed in the presence of 5CeHAp-D and 10CeHAp-D composite coatings. The 5CeHAp-D and 10CeHAp-D coatings’ surfaces were harmless to the human gingival fibroblasts, proving good biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Steluta Ciobanu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Street, No. 405A, P.O. Box MG 07, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (C.S.C.); (S.L.I.)
| | - Ionela Cristina Nica
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (I.C.N.); (A.D.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest–ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (I.C.N.); (A.D.)
| | - Simona Liliana Iconaru
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Street, No. 405A, P.O. Box MG 07, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (C.S.C.); (S.L.I.)
| | - Patrick Chapon
- HORIBA Jobin Yvon S.A.S., 6-18, Rue du Canal, CEDEX, 91165 Longjumeau, France;
| | - Bogdan Bita
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG 36, 077125 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Roxana Trusca
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Materials and Nanomaterials, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
- Centre for Micro and Nanomaterials, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Groza
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG 36, 077125 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (D.P.)
| | - Daniela Predoi
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Street, No. 405A, P.O. Box MG 07, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (C.S.C.); (S.L.I.)
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (D.P.)
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Cioates Negut C, Stefan-van Staden RI, Badulescu M, Bita B. Disposable stochastic sensors obtained by nanolayer deposition of copper, graphene, and copper-graphene composite on silk for the determination of isocitrate dehydrogenases 1 and 2. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:1797-1807. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03807-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Cobianu C, Serban BC, Dumbravescu N, Buiu O, Avramescu V, Pachiu C, Bita B, Bumbac M, Nicolescu CM, Cobianu C. Organic-Inorganic Ternary Nanohybrids of Single-Walled Carbon Nanohorns for Room Temperature Chemiresistive Ethanol Detection. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2020; 10:E2552. [PMID: 33353231 PMCID: PMC7766401 DOI: 10.3390/nano10122552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Organic-inorganic ternary nanohybrids consisting of oxidized-single walled carbon nanohorns-SnO2-polyvinylpyrrolidone (ox-SWCNH/SnO2/PVP) with stoichiometry 1/1/1 and 2/1/1 and ox-SWCNH/ZnO/PVP = 5/2/1 and 5/3/2 (all mass ratios) were synthesized and characterized as sensing films of chemiresistive test structures for ethanol vapor detection in dry air, in the range from 0 up to 50 mg/L. All the sensing films had an ox-SWCNH concentration in the range of 33.3-62.5 wt%. A comparison between the transfer functions and the response and recovery times of these sensing devices has shown that the structures with ox-SWCNH/SnO2/PVP = 1/1/1 have the highest relative sensitivities of 0.0022 (mg/L)-1, while the devices with ox-SWCNH/SnO2/PVP = 2/1/1 have the lowest response time (15 s) and recovery time (50 s) for a room temperature operation, proving the key role of carbonic material in shaping the static and dynamic performance of the sensor. These response and recovery times are lower than those of "heated" commercial sensors. The sensing mechanism is explained in terms of the overall response of a p-type semiconductor, where ox-SWCNH percolated between electrodes of the sensor, shunting the heterojunctions made between n-type SnO2 or ZnO and p-type ox-SWCNH. The hard-soft acid-base (HSAB) principle supports this mechanism. The low power consumption of these devices, below 2 mW, and the sensing performances at room temperature may open new avenues towards ethanol sensors for passive samplers of environment monitoring, alcohol test portable instruments and wireless network sensors for Internet of Things applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornel Cobianu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies–IMT Bucharest, 126 A Erou Iancu Nicolae Str., 077190 Voluntari, Romania; (B.-C.S.); (N.D.); (O.B.); (V.A.); (C.P.); (B.B.)
- Science and Technology Section, Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Str., Sector 5, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan-Catalin Serban
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies–IMT Bucharest, 126 A Erou Iancu Nicolae Str., 077190 Voluntari, Romania; (B.-C.S.); (N.D.); (O.B.); (V.A.); (C.P.); (B.B.)
| | - Niculae Dumbravescu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies–IMT Bucharest, 126 A Erou Iancu Nicolae Str., 077190 Voluntari, Romania; (B.-C.S.); (N.D.); (O.B.); (V.A.); (C.P.); (B.B.)
| | - Octavian Buiu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies–IMT Bucharest, 126 A Erou Iancu Nicolae Str., 077190 Voluntari, Romania; (B.-C.S.); (N.D.); (O.B.); (V.A.); (C.P.); (B.B.)
| | - Viorel Avramescu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies–IMT Bucharest, 126 A Erou Iancu Nicolae Str., 077190 Voluntari, Romania; (B.-C.S.); (N.D.); (O.B.); (V.A.); (C.P.); (B.B.)
| | - Cristina Pachiu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies–IMT Bucharest, 126 A Erou Iancu Nicolae Str., 077190 Voluntari, Romania; (B.-C.S.); (N.D.); (O.B.); (V.A.); (C.P.); (B.B.)
| | - Bogdan Bita
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies–IMT Bucharest, 126 A Erou Iancu Nicolae Str., 077190 Voluntari, Romania; (B.-C.S.); (N.D.); (O.B.); (V.A.); (C.P.); (B.B.)
| | - Marius Bumbac
- Sciences and Advanced Technologies Department, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Sinaia Alley, 130004 Targoviste, Romania;
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Sinaia Alley, 130004 Targoviste, Romania;
| | - Cristina-Mihaela Nicolescu
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Sinaia Alley, 130004 Targoviste, Romania;
| | - Cosmin Cobianu
- Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Information Technology Faculty, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Sinaia Alley, 130004 Targoviste, Romania;
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Popescu AC, Stan GE, Duta L, Nita C, Popescu C, Surdu VA, Husanu MA, Bita B, Ghisleni R, Himcinschi C, Craciun V. The Role of Ambient Gas and Pressure on the Structuring of Hard Diamond-Like Carbon Films Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Deposition. Materials 2015. [PMCID: PMC5455729 DOI: 10.3390/ma8063284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hard carbon thin films were synthesized on Si (100) and quartz substrates by the Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique in vacuum or methane ambient to study their suitability for applications requiring high mechanical resistance. The deposited films’ surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, crystalline status by X-ray diffraction, packing and density by X-ray reflectivity, chemical bonding by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, adherence by “pull-out” measurements and mechanical properties by nanoindentation tests. Films synthesized in vacuum were a-C DLC type, while films synthesized in methane were categorized as a-C:H. The majority of PLD films consisted of two layers: one low density layer towards the surface and a higher density layer in contact with the substrate. The deposition gas pressure played a crucial role on films thickness, component layers thickness ratio, structure and mechanical properties. The films were smooth, amorphous and composed of a mixture of sp3-sp2 carbon, with sp3 content ranging between 50% and 90%. The thickness and density of the two constituent layers of a film directly determined its mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei C. Popescu
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, Magurele RO-077125, Romania; E-Mails: (L.D.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (V.C.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel./Fax: +40-21-457-4491
| | - George E. Stan
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 105bis Atomistilor Street, Magurele RO-077125, Romania; E-Mails: (G.E.S.); (M.-A.H.)
| | - Liviu Duta
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, Magurele RO-077125, Romania; E-Mails: (L.D.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Cristina Nita
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, Magurele RO-077125, Romania; E-Mails: (L.D.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Camelia Popescu
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, Magurele RO-077125, Romania; E-Mails: (L.D.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Vasile-Adrian Surdu
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica from Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, Bucharest RO-011061, Romania; E-Mail:
| | - Marius-Adrian Husanu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 105bis Atomistilor Street, Magurele RO-077125, Romania; E-Mails: (G.E.S.); (M.-A.H.)
| | - Bogdan Bita
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, 126A Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, Voluntari RO-077190, Romania; E-Mail:
| | - Rudy Ghisleni
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing, EMPA-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, 39 Feuerwerkerstrasse, Thun CH-3602, Switzerland; E-Mail:
| | - Cameliu Himcinschi
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Freiberg D-09596, Germany; E-Mail:
| | - Valentin Craciun
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, Magurele RO-077125, Romania; E-Mails: (L.D.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (V.C.)
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