Design of Nanostructured Surfaces and Hydrogel Coatings for Anti-Bacterial Adhesion

This review systematically summarizes recent advancements in the design of antibacterial hydrogels and the surface-related factors influencing microbial adhesion to polymeric materials. Hydrogels, characterized by their three-dimensional porous architecture and ultra-high water content, serve as ideal platforms for incorporating antibacterial agents (e.g., metal ions, natural polymers) through physical/chemical interactions, enabling sustained release and enhanced antibacterial efficacy. For traditional polymers, surface properties (e.g., roughness, charge, superhydrophobicity, free energy, nanoforce gradients) play critical roles in microbial adhesion. Modifying the surface properties of polymers through surface treatment can regulate antibacterial performance. In particular, by referencing the micro/nanostructures found on natural surfaces such as lotus leaves and cicada wings, antibacterial surfaces with multiple superior functions can be fabricated. Collectively, these findings provide a theoretical basis for the rational design of multifunctional antibacterial materials, offering material-based solutions to address complex infection scenarios and advance infection management strategies.