Recent Advance in Polymer Coatings Combating Bacterial Adhesion and Biofilm Formation†

Abstract

Implantable medical device-associated infections (DAIs) originating from bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation have threatened to the health and life of patients. Antibacterial polymer coatings with antifouling and/or bactericidal properties have showed great potentials to combat DAI issues. In this review, we report recent advances in antibacterial polymer coatings fighting bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on implantable biomaterial surfaces. We summarize the mechanisms of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, which provides guidance for the design of antibacterial coatings. We describe the polymer and coating preparation methods and discuss the structure-property relationships of antibacterial polymer coatings. Applications of these polymer coatings in medical catheters, orthopaedic implants, and other applications are elaborated. Future challenges and prospects associated with antibacterial polymer coatings for implantable medical devices are discussed.