Biomimetic robust superhydrophobic stainless-steel surfaces with antimicrobial activity and molecular dynamics simulation

Abstract

Wettability is an effective strategy to reduce the adhesion force between bacteria and a solid surface, also is favor to effectively overcome the limitation of the substrate materials and expand their practical applications. Herein, inspired by the special micro/nano structures of the creatures and the bioadhesion of marine mussels, a green and simple two-step method, the laser interference patterning and in-situ polymerization, was used to fabricate the superhydrophobic surface with antibacterial property on the stainless-steel (SS) substrate. As well, this patterned surface also has successfully realized the wettability transition from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic. Meanwhile, the results of MD simulations directly suggested the PDA@ODA compounds how to adsorb on the SS substrate and interact with water molecules, which was consistent with the experimental. In addition, according to the agar plate assays and fluorescent microscope tests, the obtained specimens presented a certain antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the samples had good robustness in the heat resistance, physical performance and durability, which will expand the application fields and working life.