Exploration of smart antibacterial coatings for practical applications

Endowing surfaces with antibacterial capability to fight against attached bacteria is a long-standing hot research topic. Different with traditional biocidal and antifouling coatings, since 2008 various smart antibacterial coatings with switchable function to kill attached bacteria and release dead bacteria in response to proper stimulus have been developed based on a promising 'kill-release' strategy. During the past years, the research in this field started to focus on the exploration of smart antibacterial coatings for practical applications. In this review, we introduced some universal methods for fabrication of such coatings, and discussed representative examples for applications in medical devices, filtration membranes, and marine industries. Finally, a brief summary of the current challenges and future directions was provided.

Automated summary

Development of smart antibacterial coatings that can kill attached bacteria and release dead bacteria in response to proper stimuli has been a hot research topic since 2008. Focus has shifted from technical exploration to practical applications in medical devices, filtration membranes, and marine industries. This review introduces fabrication methods and discusses examples, while also outlining current challenges and future directions.