Organic and inorganic nanomaterial coatings for the prevention of microbial growth and infections on biotic and abiotic surfaces

Abstract

The growing threat of pathogenic microbes has increased the rate of morbidity and mortality among the human population. Centres for Disease Control has announced that the world is entering the post antibiotic era, which will increase the death rate by bacterial infections instead of cancer and other fatal diseases. Nonetheless, the emergence of multidrug resistant strains of bacteria has led to finding novel strategies to prevent bacterial growth on abiotic and biotic surfaces. Therefore, nanomaterials are growing as a potential strategy to replace conventional antimicrobial therapy. In recent times, bacterial pathogens have been known to colonize on medical devices, implants, tooth filings, lenses, fabrics, metallic and non-metallic surfaces. Important significance organic and inorganic nanomaterials include silver (Ag), copper (Cu), zinc oxide (ZnO) and gold (Au), titanium (Ti), selenium (Se), iron (Fe) as well as polymer materials have been highlighted as potential coating materials for preventing the growth and attachment of bacteria. Nanoparticles (NPs) have a large surface area to volume ratio and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to the damage of the bacterial cell walls. The present review has focused on the important role of nanoparticles as a coating material to create antibacterial surfaces for a prolonged time and efficiency. • Bacterial colonization causing biofilm formation is the major cause of mortality and morbidity. • Biofilm forming bacteria colonizes on medical devices and equipment. • Nanoparticles (NPs) are efficient strategy to prevent and inhibits bacterial attachments. • Metallic NPs directly targets the biofilm forming bacterial pathogens. • Non-metallic NPs are used as carriers for drug delivery to prevent contamination on biomedical devices.