Artificial Mechano-Fungicidal Surfaces With Nanoneedles by Inverted Glancing Angle Deposition

Abstract We present a novel approach for developing artificial mechano-fungicidal surfaces incorporating nanostructured protrusions (i.e., nanoneedles) that physically rupture fungal cells upon contact. This mechanical mode of action prevents microbial proliferation and mitigates the risk of antimicrobial resistance—an urgent concern in addressing healthcare-associated infections. The coatings are fabricated using inverted glancing angle deposition (I-GLAD), a scalable nanofabrication method derived from glancing angle deposition (GLAD), which enables the production of large-area antimicrobial surfaces. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism, we demonstrate the fungicidal effectiveness of the nanoneedle-coated surfaces through colony-forming unit (CFU) assays and live/dead fluorescence staining. Cross-sectional imaging further reveals the mechano-fungicidal mechanism, showing physical rupture of fungal cells at the nanoneedle–cell interface. This versatile nanoneedle platform offers strong potential for integration into healthcare environments, including walls, screens, packaging, and biomedical devices.