Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2020) | Viewed by 66356

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Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

After the seminal report by T. Matsunaga et al. in 1985, a large number of studies appeared devoted to the issue of microbial abatement in TiO2 suspensions. Many other materials were used to reduce microbes in suspensions thereafter. Due to the cost and labor needed to remove the used materials from the suspension after microbial inactivation, the approach was to fix/support the antibacterial agent on different substrates. During the last decade, the attention was drawn towards the design, synthesis, and characterization of efficient antimicrobial coatings. The latter are of potential use in many industries, such as in medical devices, food packaging, water treatment, ceramics, paints, and many other items in different fields.

We invite authors to contribute original research articles, as well as review articles, that seek to address the mechanisms and significance of antimicrobial coated surfaces for safer environments. A particular interest will be given to papers exploring innovative materials and surfaces engineering.

In particular, the topics of interest include but are not limited to:

  • Recent advances in antimicrobial surfaces
  • Antimicrobial photocatalytic coatings
  • Surfaces engineering for indoor environment
  • Antimicrobial coated polymers
  • New generation of antimicrobial coated ceramics
  • Light enhanced dyes degradation on surfaces
  • Water treatment on coated reactors

Dr. Sami Rtimi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Coatings
  • Materials
  • Microbial abatement
  • Environment
  • Characterization

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 178 KiB  
Editorial
Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings
by Sami Rtimi
Coatings 2021, 11(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11020148 - 29 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1861
Abstract
Microbial infections (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings)

Research

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13 pages, 5711 KiB  
Article
Architectured Cu–TNTZ Bilayered Coatings Showing Bacterial Inactivation under Indoor Light and Controllable Copper Release: Effect of the Microstructure on Copper Diffusion
by Akram Alhussein, Sofiane Achache, Regis Deturche and Sami Rtimi
Coatings 2020, 10(6), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings10060574 - 19 Jun 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2256
Abstract
A Ti–23Nb–0.7Ta–2Zr–1.2O alloy (at %), called “gum metal”, was deposited by direct-current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) on an under layer of copper. By varying the working pressure during the deposition, columnar TNTZ (Ti–Nb–Ta–Zr) nanoarchitectures were obtained. At low working pressures, the upper layer was [...] Read more.
A Ti–23Nb–0.7Ta–2Zr–1.2O alloy (at %), called “gum metal”, was deposited by direct-current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) on an under layer of copper. By varying the working pressure during the deposition, columnar TNTZ (Ti–Nb–Ta–Zr) nanoarchitectures were obtained. At low working pressures, the upper layer was dense with a coarse surface (Ra = 12 nm) with a maximum height of 163 nm; however, the other samples prepared at high working pressures showed columnar architectures with voids and an average roughness of 4 nm. The prepared coatings were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) for surface topography, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for atomic mapping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for cross-section imaging, contact angle measurements for hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance of the prepared surfaces, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the crystallographic structures of the prepared coatings. The morphology and the density of the prepared coatings were seen to influence the hydrophilic properties of the surface. The antibacterial activity of the prepared coatings was tested in the dark and under low-intensity indoor light. Bacterial inactivation was seen to happen in the dark from samples presenting columnar nanoarchitectures. This was attributed to the diffusion of copper ions from the under layer. To verify the copper release from the prepared samples, an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) was used. Additionally, the atomic depth profiling of the elements was carried out by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the as-prepared samples and for the samples used for bacterial inactivation. The low amount of copper in the bulk of the TNTZ upper layer justifies its diffusion to the surface. Recycling of the antibacterial activity was also investigated and revealed a stable activity over cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings)
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16 pages, 1805 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Activity of Lignin-Derived Polyurethane Coatings Prepared from Unmodified and Demethylated Lignins
by Stephanie Elisabeth Klein, Abla Alzagameem, Jessica Rumpf, Imke Korte, Judith Kreyenschmidt and Margit Schulze
Coatings 2019, 9(8), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9080494 - 05 Aug 2019
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5720
Abstract
Due to global ecological and economic challenges that have been correlated to the transition from fossil-based to renewable resources, fundamental studies are being performed worldwide to replace fossil fuel raw materials in plastic production. One aspect of current research is the development of [...] Read more.
Due to global ecological and economic challenges that have been correlated to the transition from fossil-based to renewable resources, fundamental studies are being performed worldwide to replace fossil fuel raw materials in plastic production. One aspect of current research is the development of lignin-derived polyols to substitute expensive fossil-based polyol components for polyurethane and polyester production. This article describes the synthesis of bioactive lignin-based polyurethane coatings using unmodified and demethylated Kraft lignins. Demethylation was performed to enhance the reaction selectivity toward polyurethane formation. The antimicrobial activity was tested according to a slightly modified standard test (JIS Z 2801:2010). Besides effects caused by the lignins themselves, triphenylmethane derivatives (brilliant green and crystal violet) were used as additional antimicrobial substances. Results showed increased antimicrobial capacity against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the coating color could be varied from dark brown to green and blue, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings)
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12 pages, 4954 KiB  
Article
Chitosan Cross-Linked Bio-based Antimicrobial Polypropylene Meshes for Hernia Repair Loaded with Levofloxacin HCl via Cold Oxygen Plasma
by Noor Sanbhal, Yan Li, Awais Khatri, Mazhar Peerzada and Lu Wang
Coatings 2019, 9(3), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9030168 - 04 Mar 2019
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4465
Abstract
Polypropylene (PP) large pore size nets have been most widely used implants for hernia repair. Nevertheless, the growth of bacteria within PP mesh pores after operation is a major reason of hernia recurrence. Secondly, pre-operative prophylaxis during mesh implantation has failed due to [...] Read more.
Polypropylene (PP) large pore size nets have been most widely used implants for hernia repair. Nevertheless, the growth of bacteria within PP mesh pores after operation is a major reason of hernia recurrence. Secondly, pre-operative prophylaxis during mesh implantation has failed due to the hydrophobic nature of PP meshes. Herein, chitosan cross-linked and levofloxacin HCl incorporated, antimicrobial PP mesh devices were prepared using citric acid as a bio-based and green cross-linking agent. The inert PP mesh fibers were surface activated using O2 plasma treatment at low pressure. Then, chitosan of different molecular weights (low and medium weight) were cross-linked with O2 plasma activated surfaces using citric acid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed that chitosan was cross-linked with O2 plasma-treated PP mesh surfaces and formed a thin layer of chitosan and levofloxacin HCl on the PP mesh surfaces. Moreover, antimicrobial properties of chitosan and levofloxacin HCl-coated PP meshes were investigated using an agar plate release method. The coated PP meshes demonstrated excellent antimicrobial inhibition zone up to 10 mm. Thus, modified PP meshes demonstrated sustained antimicrobial properties for six continuous days against Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Escherichia coli (EC) bacteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings)
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12 pages, 5010 KiB  
Article
Polydopamine-Inspired Surface Modification of Polypropylene Hernia Mesh Devices via Cold Oxygen Plasma: Antibacterial and Drug Release Properties
by Xiakeer Saitaer, Noor Sanbhal, Yansha Qiao, Yan Li, Jing Gao, Gaetan Brochu, Robert Guidoin, Awais Khatri and Lu Wang
Coatings 2019, 9(3), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9030164 - 01 Mar 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5253
Abstract
Mesh infection is a major complication of hernia surgery after polypropylene (PP) mesh implantation. Modifying the PP mesh with antibacterial drugs is an effective way to reduce the chance of infection, but the hydrophobic characteristic of PP fibers has obstructed the drug adhesion. [...] Read more.
Mesh infection is a major complication of hernia surgery after polypropylene (PP) mesh implantation. Modifying the PP mesh with antibacterial drugs is an effective way to reduce the chance of infection, but the hydrophobic characteristic of PP fibers has obstructed the drug adhesion. Therefore, to prepare antimicrobial PP mesh with a stable drug coating layer and to slow the drug release property during the hernia repair process has a great practical meaning. In this work, PP meshes were coated by bio-inspired polydopamine (PDA), which can load and release levofloxacin. PP meshes were activated with cold oxygen plasma and then plasma activated PP fibers were coated with PDA. The PDA coated meshes were further soaked in levofloxacin. The levofloxacin loaded PP meshes demonstrate excellent antimicrobial properties for 6 days and the drug release has lasted for at least 24 h. Moreover, a control PP mesh sample without plasma treatment was also prepared, after coating with PDA and loading levofloxacin. The antimicrobial property was sustained only for two days. The maximum inhibition zone of PDA coated meshes with and without plasma treatment was 12.5 and 9 mm, respectively. On all accounts, the modification strategy can facilely lead to long-term property of infection prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings)
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15 pages, 17204 KiB  
Article
Designing a Laboratory Bioassay for Evaluating the Efficacy of Antifouling Paints on Amphibalanus amphitrite Using a Flow-Through System
by Ryuji Kojima, Seiji Kobayashi, Kiyotaka Matsumura, Cyril Glenn Perez Satuito, Yasuyuki Seki, Hirotomo Ando and Ichiro Katsuyama
Coatings 2019, 9(2), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9020112 - 12 Feb 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3173
Abstract
With the aim of establishing a protocol for evaluating the efficacy of antifouling paints on different organisms, a flow-through laboratory test using triangular boxes was developed for cyprids of the barnacle Amphibalanus (=Balanus) amphitrite. Six different formulations of antifouling paints [...] Read more.
With the aim of establishing a protocol for evaluating the efficacy of antifouling paints on different organisms, a flow-through laboratory test using triangular boxes was developed for cyprids of the barnacle Amphibalanus (=Balanus) amphitrite. Six different formulations of antifouling paints were prepared in increasing content (0 to 40 wt.%) of Cu2O, which is the most commonly used antifouling substance, and each formulation of paint was coated on one surface of each test plate. The test plates were aged for 45 days by rotating them at a speed of 10 knots inside a cylinder drum with continuously flowing seawater. The settlement behavior of 3-day-old cyprids released inside triangular boxes made from the test plates was observed. A decreasing number of juveniles settled on surfaces of test plates that were coated with paint containing more than 30 wt.% of Cu2O. Results of the laboratory bioassays were consistent with those from the field experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings)
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10 pages, 1819 KiB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticle-Based Paper Packaging to Combat Black Anther Disease in Orchid Flowers
by Bang-on Nokkrut, Sawitree Pisuttipiched, Somwang Khantayanuwong and Buapan Puangsin
Coatings 2019, 9(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9010040 - 14 Jan 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3929
Abstract
Metal nanoparticles have been reported to have a high antimicrobial activity against fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. In this study, we aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a chemical reduction method at 90 °C. The obtained AgNPs were used as an antifungal coating [...] Read more.
Metal nanoparticles have been reported to have a high antimicrobial activity against fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. In this study, we aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a chemical reduction method at 90 °C. The obtained AgNPs were used as an antifungal coating on packaging paper, to control the growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in cut orchid flowers during the shipping process. The AgNPs were characterized by a UV-Vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscope (AFM). The results indicated that their shape was spherical and homogenous, with an average size of 47 nm. An AgNPs concentration of 20 and 50 particles per million (ppm), mixed with starch, was prepared as the coating solution. The paper coated with a concentration of 50 ppm exhibited a significant antifungal activity against C. gloeosporioides compared to 20 ppm. The coated paper had a higher water resistance and better mechanical properties compared to the uncoated paper. Additionally, we observed a significant reduction in the number of orchid inflorescence anthers, infected by C. gloeosporioides, when stored in the coated boxes. The current study demonstrates that paper boxes, coated with AgNPs, can be used in controlling the C. gloeosporioides infection during storage of cut orchid flowers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings)
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2932 KiB  
Article
Polymeric Antimicrobial Coatings Based on Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
by Denisa Druvari, Nikos D. Koromilas, Vlasoula Bekiari, Georgios Bokias and Joannis K. Kallitsis
Coatings 2018, 8(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings8010008 - 23 Dec 2017
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 7220
Abstract
Biocidal coatings that are based on quaternized ammonium copolymers were developed after blending and crosslinking and studied as a function of the ratio of reactive groups and the type of biocidal groups, after curing at room temperature or 120 °C. For this purpose, [...] Read more.
Biocidal coatings that are based on quaternized ammonium copolymers were developed after blending and crosslinking and studied as a function of the ratio of reactive groups and the type of biocidal groups, after curing at room temperature or 120 °C. For this purpose, two series of copolymers with complementary reactive groups, poly(4-vinylbenzyl chloride-co-acrylic acid), P(VBC-co-AAx), and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate-co-glycidyl methacrylate), P(SSNa-co-GMAx), were synthesized via free radical copolymerization and further modified resulting in covalently bound (4-vinylbenzyl dimethylhexadecylammonium chloride, VBCHAM) and electrostatically attached (hexadecyltrimethylammonium 4-styrene sulfonate, SSAmC16) units. The crosslinking reaction between the carboxylic group of acrylic acid (AA) and the epoxide group of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) of these copolymers led to the stabilization of the coatings through reactive blending. The so developed coatings were cured at room temperature and 120 °C, and then immersed in ultra-pure water and aqueous NaCl solutions at various concentrations for a time period up to three months. Visual inspection of the integrity of the materials coated onto glass slides, gravimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization, as well as the determination of total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) of the solutions, were used to investigate the parameters affecting the release of the materials from the coatings based on these systems. The results revealed that curing temperature, complementary reactive groups’ content, and type of antimicrobial species control the release levels and the nature of releasable species of these environmentally-friendly antimicrobial coatings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings)
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1150 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Films Based on Chitosan and Methylcellulose Containing Natamycin for Active Packaging Applications
by Serena Santonicola, Verónica García Ibarra, Raquel Sendón, Raffaelina Mercogliano and Ana Rodríguez-Bernaldo de Quirós
Coatings 2017, 7(10), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7100177 - 24 Oct 2017
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5279
Abstract
Biodegradable polymers are gaining interest as antimicrobial carriers in active packaging. In the present study, two active films based on chitosan (1.5% w/v) and methylcellulose (3% w/v) enriched with natamycin were prepared by casting. The antimicrobial’s release [...] Read more.
Biodegradable polymers are gaining interest as antimicrobial carriers in active packaging. In the present study, two active films based on chitosan (1.5% w/v) and methylcellulose (3% w/v) enriched with natamycin were prepared by casting. The antimicrobial’s release behavior was evaluated by immersion of the films in 95% ethanol (v/v) at different temperatures. The natamycin content in the food simulant was determined by reversed-high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). The apparent diffusion (DP) and partition (KP/S) coefficients were calculated using a mathematical model based on Fick’s Second Law. Results showed that the release of natamycin from chitosan based film (DP = 3.61 × 10−13 cm2/s) was slower, when compared with methylcellulose film (DP = 3.20 × 10−8 cm2/s) at the same temperature (p < 0.05). To evaluate the antimicrobial efficiency of active films, cheese samples were completely covered with the films, stored at 20 °C for 7 days, and then analyzed for moulds and yeasts. Microbiological analyses showed a significant reduction in yeasts and moulds (7.91 log CFU/g) in samples treated with chitosan active films (p < 0.05). The good compatibility of natamycin with chitosan, the low Dp, and antimicrobial properties suggested that the film could be favorably used in antimicrobial packagings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings)
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Review

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15 pages, 2920 KiB  
Review
Fused Deposition Modelling as a Potential Tool for Antimicrobial Dialysis Catheters Manufacturing: New Trends vs. Conventional Approaches
by Essyrose Mathew, Juan Domínguez-Robles, Eneko Larrañeta and Dimitrios A. Lamprou
Coatings 2019, 9(8), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9080515 - 14 Aug 2019
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 10524
Abstract
The rising rate of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ineffective treatment methods for catheter-associated infections in dialysis patients has led to the need for a novel approach to the manufacturing of catheters. The current process requires moulding, which is time consuming, [...] Read more.
The rising rate of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ineffective treatment methods for catheter-associated infections in dialysis patients has led to the need for a novel approach to the manufacturing of catheters. The current process requires moulding, which is time consuming, and coated catheters used currently increase the risk of bacterial resistance, toxicity, and added expense. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has gained a lot of attention in recent years and offers the opportunity to rapidly manufacture catheters, matched to patients through imaging and at a lower cost. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) in particular allows thermoplastic polymers to be printed into the desired devices from a model made using computer aided design (CAD). Limitations to FDM include the small range of thermoplastic polymers that are compatible with this form of printing and the high degradation temperature required for drugs to be extruded with the polymer. Hot-melt extrusion (HME) allows the potential for antimicrobial drugs to be added to the polymer to create catheters with antimicrobial activity, therefore being able to overcome the issue of increased rates of infection. This review will cover the area of dialysis and catheter-related infections, current manufacturing processes of catheters and methods to prevent infection, limitations of current processes of catheter manufacture, future directions into the manufacture of catheters, and how drugs can be incorporated into the polymers to help prevent infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings)
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19 pages, 1970 KiB  
Review
Edible Films and Coatings for Fresh Fish Packaging: Focus on Quality Changes and Shelf-life Extension
by Maria-Ioana Socaciu, Cristina Anamaria Semeniuc and Dan Cristian Vodnar
Coatings 2018, 8(10), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings8100366 - 16 Oct 2018
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 8049
Abstract
Fresh fish is extensively consumed and is one of the most-traded food commodities in the world. Conventional preservation technologies include vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging, but they are costly since requires capital investment. In the last decade, research has been directed towards the [...] Read more.
Fresh fish is extensively consumed and is one of the most-traded food commodities in the world. Conventional preservation technologies include vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging, but they are costly since requires capital investment. In the last decade, research has been directed towards the development of antimicrobial packaging systems, as an economical alternative to these. This paper outlines antimicrobial films and coatings applied so far on fresh fish, their efficacy against targeted microorganism/group and effects on chemical quality of the product. Findings show that edible films/coatings incorporated with different active agents applied to fresh fish are able to inhibit the microbial growth and decrease the rate of fish nutrients degradation, thus preventing the formation of chemical metabolites; a shelf-life extension of 6 to 13 days was obtained for fish fillets, depending on the species on which the active packaging materials were applied. The manufacturing use of these formulations could lead to a significant reduction in fish waste, consequently, a diminution of economic losses for fish traders and retailers. Therefore, their industrial production and commercialization could be an exploitable sector by the packaging industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings)
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Other

12 pages, 2946 KiB  
Perspective
Nanoengineered Antibacterial Coatings and Materials: A Perspective
by Krasimir Vasilev
Coatings 2019, 9(10), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9100654 - 11 Oct 2019
Cited by 62 | Viewed by 6094
Abstract
This feature article begins by outlining the problem of infection and its implication on healthcare. The initial introductory section is followed by a description of the four distinct classes of antibacterial coatings and materials, i.e., bacteria repealing, contact killing, releasing and responsive, that [...] Read more.
This feature article begins by outlining the problem of infection and its implication on healthcare. The initial introductory section is followed by a description of the four distinct classes of antibacterial coatings and materials, i.e., bacteria repealing, contact killing, releasing and responsive, that were developed over the years by our team and others. Specific examples of each individual class of antibacterial materials and a discussion on the pros and cons of each strategy are provided. The article contains a dedicated section focused on silver nanoparticle based coatings and materials, which have attracted tremendous interest from the scientific and medical communities. The article concludes with the author’s view regarding the future of the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Coatings)
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