Antibacterial Surfaces Treated with Metal Ions Incorporation by Low-Energy Ionic Ion Implantation: An Opinion

Abstract

Infectious diseases have been a huge obstacle to human survival for centuries. Despite scientific progress, bacterial infections continue to be among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Thus, surface functionalization of materials can be a viable strategy to prevent biofilm formation. In this way, metal ions incorporation, such as silver (Ag+), copper (Cu2+), or zinc (Zn2+), have been proposed due to their antimicrobial properties, and low-energy ionic ion implantation (IPD) as promising alternative surface treatment process. Therefore, this article briefly reports on recent developments in this technique in surface functionalization for antibacterial action. Furthermore, it seeks to point out perspectives for applying the technique and points for improvement for this technology.