Cell adhesion properties on photochemically functionalized diamond.

The biocompatibility of diamond was investigated with a view toward correlating surface chemistry and topography with cellular adhesion and growth. The adhesion properties of normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells on microcrystalline and ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) surfaces were measured using atomic force microscopy. Cell adhesion forces increased by several times on the hydrogenated diamond surfaces after UV irradiation of the surfaces in air or after functionalization with undecylenic acid.

Synthetic nanocrystalline diamond as a third-generation biosensor support.

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) has been immobilized on the surface of functionalized nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films. The structure of the modified NCD surface as well as the electrochemical behavior of the whole system was characterized by impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The proximity of HRP heme groups to the NCD surface allowed direct electron transfer between them, resulting in two separated one-electron-transfer peaks at 0.

Protein-modified nanocrystalline diamond thin films for biosensor applications.

Diamond exhibits several special properties, for example good biocompatibility and a large electrochemical potential window, that make it particularly suitable for biofunctionalization and biosensing. Here we show that proteins can be attached covalently to nanocrystalline diamond thin films. Moreover, we show that, although the biomolecules are immobilized at the surface, they are still fully functional and active.