Advances in Antibacterial Coatings: From Materials to Applications

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Surface Coatings for Biomedicine and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 16945

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Materials and Energy, Southwest University Chongqing, Chongqing 400715, China
Interests: polymer chemistry; surface engineering; antibacterial materials; antifouling/antibacterial coatings; medical implants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Institute for Advanced Materials, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Road 301, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Interests: peptide-based materials; antimicrobial materials; self-assembly; smart biointerface
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is my great pleasure to announce this Special Issue on “Advances in Antibacterial Coatings: From Materials to Applications,” which will be published in Coatings this year.

Healthcare-acquired infections and emerging multi-drug resistance (MDR) have become an urgent global challenge demands for innovative alternative tools, technologies, and strategies to combat bacterial infections. Considering the recent advancements in materials science and nanotechnology, the formulation of novel antibacterial surface coating technology as a component of advanced functional biomaterials remains a top research goal. In particular, the surface-independent universal smart antibacterial coatings with contact-killing or on-demand antibiotics release profiles have attracted increasing attention in biomedical devices, drug delivery platforms, and implantable materials. Advanced functional antibacterial coatings consisting of natural entities, functional polymers, biomolecules, antibiotics, and nanomaterials were used to eliminate bacterial infections and biofilm formation in biomaterials. Moreover, the antibacterial coatings have been applied in various platforms covering other essential topics, including antibacterial photothermal therapy (APTT), antibacterial photodynamic therapy (APDT), tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, biosensors, and bioelectronics are also important topics.

I invite authors to contribute original research articles and review articles that will provide a forum for sharing information on recent progress and advancements in antibacterial coatings by presenting and discussing the potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Antibacterial formulations and coatings;
  • Bio-inspired universal antibacterial coatings;
  • Contact-killing surfaces;
  • Release-killing surfaces;
  • Hydrophillic antifouling coatings;
  • Superhydrophobic antibacterial coatings;
  • Smart interfaces;
  • Photothermal agent-integrated coatings;
  • Photosensitizer-integrated coatings.

Prof. Dr. Liqun Xu
Dr. Lei Liu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • surface coatings
  • polymers
  • nanohybrids
  • antibacterial
  • antifouling
  • bio-inspired coatings
  • phototherapy

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4918 KiB  
Article
The Antibacterial Properties of a Silver Multilayer Coating for the Prevention of Bacterial Biofilm Formation on Orthopedic Implants—An In Vitro Study
by Sanne W. G. van Hoogstraten, Janine Fechter, Rainer Bargon, Julia L. van Agtmaal, Laura C. W. Peeters, Jan Geurts and Jacobus J. C. Arts
Coatings 2024, 14(2), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14020216 - 09 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1008
Abstract
The prevention of biofilm formation on orthopedic implants is essential, as biofilms are the main challenge in the effective treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). A silver multilayer (SML) coating was developed to prevent biofilm formation on the implant surface. Previous studies have [...] Read more.
The prevention of biofilm formation on orthopedic implants is essential, as biofilms are the main challenge in the effective treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). A silver multilayer (SML) coating was developed to prevent biofilm formation on the implant surface. Previous studies have already demonstrated its antibacterial properties without cytotoxic effects. However, the coating has not been previously tested when applied to common titanium surfaces used in total joint arthroplasty implants. These surfaces often have increased roughness and porosity in the case of cementless implants, which can alter the antibacterial effect of the coating. In this study, we assessed the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of the SML coating on corundum-blasted and plasma-sprayed microporous-coated titanium alloy surfaces, using S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and E. coli. An antibacterial activity test following the principles of ISO 22196, ASTM E2180-18, and JIS Z 2801 standards was performed, as well as a biofilm proliferation assay investigating bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The SML coating exhibited strong antibacterial effects for all bacterial strains. After 24 h biofilm culture, a >4-log reduction in CFU was induced by the SML coating for S. epidermidis and E. coli on the corundum-blasted and plasma-sprayed microporous-coated titanium surfaces, respectively, when compared to the uncoated surfaces. The coating showed bactericidal properties against Gram-positive bacteria on the corundum-blasted discs. The SML coating on two common titanium surfaces demonstrates significant potential as an effective strategy in combating PJI across a wide range of orthopedic implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antibacterial Coatings: From Materials to Applications)
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16 pages, 5107 KiB  
Article
Efficacy Evaluation of Cu- and Ag-Based Antibacterial Treatments on Polypropylene Fabric and Comparison with Commercial Products
by Nunzia Gallo, Giorgia Natalia Iaconisi, Mauro Pollini, Federica Paladini, Sudipto Pal, Concetta Nobile, Loredana Capobianco, Antonio Licciulli, Giovanna Giuliana Buonocore, Antonella Mansi, Luca Salvatore and Alessandro Sannino
Coatings 2023, 13(5), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13050919 - 14 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1506
Abstract
Filter masks are disposable devices intended to be worn in order to reduce exposure to potentially harmful foreign agents of 0.1–10.0 microns. However, to perform their function correctly, these devices should be replaced after a few hours of use. Because of this, billions [...] Read more.
Filter masks are disposable devices intended to be worn in order to reduce exposure to potentially harmful foreign agents of 0.1–10.0 microns. However, to perform their function correctly, these devices should be replaced after a few hours of use. Because of this, billions of non-biodegradable face masks are globally discarded every month (3 million/minute). The frequent renewal of masks, together with the strong environmental impact of non-biodegradable plastic-based mask materials, highlights the need to find a solution to this emerging ecological problem. One way to reduce the environmental impact of masks, decrease their turnover, and, at the same time, increase their safety level is to make them able to inhibit pathogen proliferation and vitality by adding antibacterial materials such as silver, copper, zinc, and graphene. Among these, silver and copper are the most widely used. In this study, with the aim of improving commercial devices’ efficacy and eco-sustainability, Ag-based and Cu-based antibacterial treatments were performed and characterized from morphological, compositional, chemical–physical, and microbiological points of view over time and compared with the antibacterial treatments of selected commercial products. The results demonstrated the good distribution of silver and copper particles onto the surface of the masks, along with almost 100% antibacterial capabilities of the coatings against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which were still confirmed even after several washing cycles, thus indicating the good potential of the developed prototypes for mask application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antibacterial Coatings: From Materials to Applications)
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12 pages, 16947 KiB  
Article
Biostable Fluorine-Containing Coatings on the Surface of Polymers
by Fedor Doronin, Georgy Rytikov, Andrey Evdokimov, Yury Rudyak, Mikhail Savel’ev and Victor Nazarov
Coatings 2023, 13(2), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13020424 - 13 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1413
Abstract
We considered the formation of the integrated biostable coating on the surface of several polymers using the original gas-phase fluorination technology. The effectiveness of surface modification of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) was confirmed by corresponding changes in the absorption spectra of [...] Read more.
We considered the formation of the integrated biostable coating on the surface of several polymers using the original gas-phase fluorination technology. The effectiveness of surface modification of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) was confirmed by corresponding changes in the absorption spectra of infrared radiation with the modified samples. The gas-phase fluorination quality of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) surfaces was evidenced by the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion analysis (EDS). As was shown with the direct measurements of water and ethyleneglycol wetting angles, the properties differences of the polymer materials with modified surfaces from the initial one correlated well with the change in free surface energy induced by the chemical and morphological transformations under the fluorine and oxygen-containing gas mixtures treatment. The developed technique for the bio-contamination degree quantifying, based on the computer analysis of the corresponding images, allowed us to establish that gas-phase fluorination of the surface approximately doubles the time during which the biofouling of LDPE, PP and UHMWPE with the mixed colony of Rivularia and Stigonema Minutum algae occurs under natural conditions. No positive effect from fluorination was observed for NBR, which was explained, from our point of view, by the difference in the mechanisms of biostability for the considered polymer materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antibacterial Coatings: From Materials to Applications)
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12 pages, 8595 KiB  
Communication
Antimicrobial Activity and Transparency of Polyvinyl Butyral Paint Containing Heated Scallop-Shell Powder
by Ryunosuke Akasaka, Ayako Osawa, Risei Wada, Jun Sawai and Yoshitaka Nakagawa
Coatings 2023, 13(2), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13020364 - 05 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1879
Abstract
The main component of seashells is calcium carbonate (CaCO3). When seashells are calcined at high temperatures, CaCO3 becomes calcium oxide (CaO), and this CaO exhibits antimicrobial activity. In this study, we attempted to develop a transparent coating that retains antimicrobial [...] Read more.
The main component of seashells is calcium carbonate (CaCO3). When seashells are calcined at high temperatures, CaCO3 becomes calcium oxide (CaO), and this CaO exhibits antimicrobial activity. In this study, we attempted to develop a transparent coating that retains antimicrobial activity for a long time by mixing polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which has excellent adhesive and binding properties, with heated shell powder (HSP). The scallop HSPs used in this study were nanoparticles with a particle diameter of approximately several hundred nm, and the prepared paint showed high transparency. Elemental analysis showed that scallop HSP particles existed in the paint as Ca(OH)2. The antimicrobial activity of the surface applied with scallop HSP-containing PVB (HSSP-PVB) paint was then evaluated using JIS Z 2801 and ISO 21702: 2019. The HSSP-PVB paint-applied surfaces showed high antibacterial and antiviral activity. The antimicrobial activity of the scallop HSP-PVB paint-applied surface was attributed to the creation of a strongly alkaline environment due to surface hydration, and the strongly alkaline environment was maintained for a long period of time. It was suggested that the PVB covered the surface of the scalloped HSP particles, which significantly prevented the HSP from contacting CO2 and H2O molecules in the air. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antibacterial Coatings: From Materials to Applications)
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16 pages, 2435 KiB  
Article
Effect of Pipe Materials on Bacterial Community, Redox Reaction, and Functional Genes
by Shengxin Sun, Yu Zhou, Haitao Yu, Weiying Li, Wenying Zhou, Guanyuan Luo and Wei Zhang
Coatings 2022, 12(11), 1747; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12111747 - 14 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1327
Abstract
In the present study, the effect of pipe materials on water quality as well as the microbial community was researched with static devices as well as dynamic ones. Five kinds of pipe materials (SP: steel plastic composite pipe, SS: stainless steel pipe, DI: [...] Read more.
In the present study, the effect of pipe materials on water quality as well as the microbial community was researched with static devices as well as dynamic ones. Five kinds of pipe materials (SP: steel plastic composite pipe, SS: stainless steel pipe, DI: ductile iron pipe, CI: cast iron pipe, GS: galvanized steel pipe) were chosen, and the soaking experiment was carried out with bench-scale devices. To further investigate the performance of pipe materials over a long term, a pilot-scale simulated drinking water distribution system was constructed, and the water quality parameters were monitored for six months. The pipe materials were ranked as SP, DI, and CI by the order of increasing turbidity, CODMn, and NH3-N. Furthermore, the biofilm samples were analyzed via pyrosequencing and COG functional categories. The DI biofilm possessed the highest bacterial diversity with a Shannon index of 3.56, followed by SP (3.14) and CI (0.77). The presence of nitrate-reducing bacteria (NRB), iron-oxidizing bacteria (IOB), iron-reducing bacteria (IRB), and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)was identified, and NRB composed the largest share in all pipe materials (13.0%–17.2%), with other redox bacteria making up a minor proportion (0.02%–1.52%). NRB and IRB inhibited the corrosion process while IOB and SRB enhanced it. Most dominant genera present in samples were derived firstly from soil or active sludge, indicating a turbidity problem due to soil contamination in the distribution network. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antibacterial Coatings: From Materials to Applications)
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12 pages, 3948 KiB  
Article
Near-Infrared-Activated MoS2(S)–Ag3PO4 Coating for Rapid Bacteria-Killing
by Honggang Xia, Dongbin Wang, Aixian Tian, Yingde Xu, Hao Gong, Zhaoyang Li and Jun Miao
Coatings 2022, 12(9), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12091263 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1382
Abstract
Medical tools and implants used in clinics can be contaminated with bacteria even with disinfection treatment. To avert this situation, titanium (Ti) plates modified with a MoS2(S)–Ag3PO4 coating were designed to kill Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) [...] Read more.
Medical tools and implants used in clinics can be contaminated with bacteria even with disinfection treatment. To avert this situation, titanium (Ti) plates modified with a MoS2(S)–Ag3PO4 coating were designed to kill Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) effectively under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation. The introduction of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles (NPs) reduced the bandgap of MoS2 and suppressed the recombination of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Therefore, Ti–MoS2(S)–Ag3PO4 exhibited a higher photocatalytic performance, leading to the generation of more radical oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, cooperating with the good photothermal performance of MoS2, the MoS2(S)–Ag3PO4 coating exhibited a high antibacterial efficacy of 99.76 ± 0.15% and 99.85 ± 0.09% against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively, for 15 min in vitro. Moreover, the MoS2(S)–Ag3PO4 coating had no apparent toxicity to cells. The proposed strategy may provide new insights for rapidly eradicating bacteria on medical tools and superficial implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antibacterial Coatings: From Materials to Applications)
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Review

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27 pages, 1969 KiB  
Review
Nanomaterials for Anti-Infection in Orthopedic Implants: A Review
by Junhao Sui, Yijin Hou, Mengchen Chen, Zhong Zheng, Xiangyu Meng, Lu Liu, Shicheng Huo, Shu Liu and Hao Zhang
Coatings 2024, 14(3), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14030254 - 21 Feb 2024
Viewed by 910
Abstract
Postoperative implant infection is a severe complication in orthopedic surgery, often leading to implant failure. Current treatment strategies mainly rely on systemic antibiotic therapies, despite contributing to increasing bacterial resistance. In recent years, nanomaterials have gained attention for their potential in anti-infection methods. [...] Read more.
Postoperative implant infection is a severe complication in orthopedic surgery, often leading to implant failure. Current treatment strategies mainly rely on systemic antibiotic therapies, despite contributing to increasing bacterial resistance. In recent years, nanomaterials have gained attention for their potential in anti-infection methods. They exhibit more substantial bactericidal effects and lower drug resistance than conventional antimicrobial agents. Nanomaterials also possess multiple bactericidal mechanisms, such as physico-mechanical interactions. Additionally, they can serve as carriers for localized antimicrobial delivery. This review explores recent applications of nanomaterials with different morphologies in post-orthopedic surgery infections and categorizes their bactericidal mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antibacterial Coatings: From Materials to Applications)
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17 pages, 5439 KiB  
Review
An Overview of the Copper Oxide Nanofillers Integrated in Food Packaging Systems
by Kasi Gopinath, Gnanasekar Sathishkumar and Liqun Xu
Coatings 2024, 14(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14010081 - 06 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1233
Abstract
Recently, functional nanomaterials with unique sizes, shapes, and surface chemistry have been fabricated for various applications in all facets of science and technology. Among these diverse nanomaterials, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have garnered considerable attention due to their unique physicochemical parameters and [...] Read more.
Recently, functional nanomaterials with unique sizes, shapes, and surface chemistry have been fabricated for various applications in all facets of science and technology. Among these diverse nanomaterials, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have garnered considerable attention due to their unique physicochemical parameters and semiconductor properties. Doping various functional materials in CuO NPs and the fabrication of CuO nanofillers functionalized with natural or synthetic moieties delivers improved antibacterial efficacy in food packaging applications. Moreover, the bactericidal effect of modified CuO NPs against foodborne pathogens largely contributes to their usage in food packaging technology. Therefore, it is essential to fabricate effective antimicrobial CuO nanofillers with minimal or no adverse side effects. This review discusses the synthesis, characterization, surface modification, antibacterial properties, food packaging applications, and toxicological implications of the diverse CuO nanofillers integrated in films and composites. In addition, it highlights their adverse side effects and ways to combat adverse situations. The forthcoming generation is expected to lead a groundbreaking surge of inventive food packaging systems (FPS) based on CuO hybrid nanofillers in food packaging industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antibacterial Coatings: From Materials to Applications)
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22 pages, 7769 KiB  
Review
Nano–Bio Interface of Molybdenum Disulfide for Biological Applications
by Rongrong Wu, Mingdong Dong and Lei Liu
Coatings 2023, 13(6), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13061122 - 18 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1686
Abstract
The unique nano–bio interfacial phenomena play a crucial role in the biosafety and bioapplications of nanomaterials. As a representative two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has shown great potential in biological applications due to its low toxicity and fascinating physicochemical properties. [...] Read more.
The unique nano–bio interfacial phenomena play a crucial role in the biosafety and bioapplications of nanomaterials. As a representative two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has shown great potential in biological applications due to its low toxicity and fascinating physicochemical properties. This review aims to highlight the nano–bio interface of MoS2 nanomaterials with the major biomolecules and the implications of their biosafety and novel bioapplications. First, the nano–bio interactions of MoS2 with amino acids, peptides, proteins, lipid membranes, and nucleic acids, as well as the associated applications in protein detection, DNA sequencing, antimicrobial activities, and wound-healing are introduced. Furthermore, to facilitate broader biomedical applications, we extensively evaluated the toxicity of MoS2 and discussed the strategies for functionalization through interactions among MoS2 and the variety of macromolecules to enhance the biocompatibility. Overall, understanding the nano–bio interface interaction of two-dimensional nanomaterials is significant for understanding their biocompatibility and biosafety, and further provide guidance for better biological applications in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antibacterial Coatings: From Materials to Applications)
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21 pages, 3595 KiB  
Review
Silver and Silver Nanoparticles for the Potential Treatment of COVID-19: A Review
by Phalalochanan Nair Jayapal Arjun, Bipin Sankar, Karthik V. Shankar, Naveen V. Kulkarni, Subbarayan Sivasankaran and Balakrishnan Shankar
Coatings 2022, 12(11), 1679; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12111679 - 04 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3657
Abstract
COVID-19 is an epizootic and life-threatening outbreak affecting millions of people globally. Coronavirus variants have emerged in different locations since their origin. Silver and its compounds, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), have been used in the medical field for a long period, especially in [...] Read more.
COVID-19 is an epizootic and life-threatening outbreak affecting millions of people globally. Coronavirus variants have emerged in different locations since their origin. Silver and its compounds, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), have been used in the medical field for a long period, especially in surgical treatments. The anti-microbial and anti-viral properties of silver are well documented. These properties depend on the size of the particles, concentration, precursor, method of preparation, and the presence of other benefiting compounds. Several experiments were conducted by researchers worldwide to prove the anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties of silver (Ag) and AgNPs, emphasizing that silver can be introduced to multiple organs in the human body and exhibit the expected antiviral characteristics. In this review article, use of silver nanoparticles to fight the COVID-19 pandemic according with the current information is discussed. The mechanisms involving antiviral activity and toxicity are discussed in detail. This article concludes that strong binding of AgNPs with SARS-CoV-2 virus prevents binding with the host cell, leading to the death of the virus. However, increased cytotoxic effect of the silver compounds at higher concentrations is a matter of concern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antibacterial Coatings: From Materials to Applications)
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