Potentials of medicinal nanostructured diamond particles and coatings
Particles and coatings can be manufactured utilizing low-cost, scalable processes. In both in vitro and in vivo experiments, unmodified diamond materials displayed good cell biocompatibility. Most current nanostructured diamond research focuses on diamond surfaces for specific cell and tissue interactions. Although the chemical stability of functionalized diamond surfaces has been explored for relatively short periods of time, the functionalized surface's chemical stability while its use in the body deserves additional exploration. In addition, the impact of chemistry (e.g., pH), enzymes, and microorganisms on the functionalized diamond surface's chemical stability must be considered. Moreover, the goals of studies evaluating the biological functionality of nanostructured diamond materials must be better aligned with regulatory requirements (e.g., ASTM International and the International Organization for Standardization) and in vitro and in vivo testing requirements of government agencies (e.g. the U.S. Food & Drug Administration). Because national regulatory authorities generally review medical devices rather than biomaterials, the parameters of in vitro and in vivo research should be closer to the implantation site's biological, chemical and mechanical features. Research on the breakdown of nanostructured diamond devices and the presence of degradation products in surrounding and remote tissues is needed. Thinking about how the sterilizing technique impacts the surface properties and biocompatibility of nanostructured diamond materials is equally significant. As the stability and fate of functionalized diamond particles and surfaces is better known via more in-vitro and in-vivo testing, nanostructured diamond materials are likely to play a greater role in clinical medicine.