Recent Progress of Antibacterial Coatings on Solid Substrates Through Antifouling Polymers

The formation of hydrophilic surface based on polymers has received great attention due to the anti-adhesion of bacteria on solid substrates. Anti-adhesion coatings are aimed at suppressing the initial step of biofilm formation via non-cytotoxic mechanisms, and surfaces applied hydrophilic or ionic polymers showed the anti-adhesion effect for bioentities, such as proteins and bacteria. This is attributed to the formation of surface barrier from hydration layers, repulsions and osmotic stresses from polymer brushes, and electrostatic interactions between ionic polymers and cell surfaces. The antifouling polymer coating is usually fabricated by the grafting method through the bonding with functional groups on surfaces and the deposition method utilizing biomimetic anchors. This mini-review is a summary of representative antifouling polymers, coating strategies, and antibacterial efficacy. Furthermore, we will discuss consideration on the large area surface coating for application to public facilities and industry.