Polyelectrolyte nanocoatings synthesized by initiated chemical vapor deposition for antifouling surfaces against Listeria innocua

The development of biocompatible antifouling coatings is crucial for preventing bacterial attachment on the surfaces of food processing facilities and packaging materials, which helps reduce the transmission of foodborne pathogens and enhance public health. Herein, we report the innovative synthesis of antifouling polyelectrolyte nanocoatings using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD), an emerging technique where the mild, solvent-free conditions enable surface modification of heat- and solvent-sensitive materials, such as plastics used in food packaging. Three types of synthesized polyelectrolyte coatings exhibited antifouling activity against Listeria innocua following incubations for 1 and 24 h, with bacterial reduction rates of 97.8 % for polyanion at both time points, 91.5 % and 81.3 % for polyampholyte, and 84.2 % and 81.9 % for polycation, respectively. The polyampholyte nanocoating showed excellent biocompatibility toward human embryonic kidney 293T cells. These findings highlight the potential of iCVD-deposited polyelectrolyte nanocoatings to enhance surface hygiene and improve food safety. • Polyelectrolyte nanocoatings were synthesized using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). • ICVD enables solvent-free surface modification of sensitive materials like food packaging. • Polyelectrolyte nanocoatings exhibited antifouling activity against Listeria innocua. • Polyampholyte nanocoatings showed high biocompatibility toward human cells.