Smart Antibacterial Coatings with On-Demand Drug Release and Real-Time Monitoring

Abstract

Smart antibacterial coatings with surface-independent methods, on-demand antibiotic release, and real-time drug loading monitoring capabilities have attracted increasing interest in the fields of medical devices, antibiotics delivery platforms, and implantable devices. Addressing the complexity inherent in existing methods, this work innovates by simplifying the synthesis process and integrating aminoglycosides with metallosupramolecules to develop versatile and effective coatings. These coatings not only exhibit exceptional biological activity and efficient antibacterial properties both in vitro and in vivo, but also enable high drug loading and controlled release. Significantly, their application across various devices has demonstrated profound therapeutic effects in treating implant infections and promoting bacterial wound healing. A key advancement of these coatings is the integration of color-changing indicators for real-time monitoring of drug levels, enhancing the precision of wound care, and facilitating timely clinical interventions. This research marks a significant stride in the development of more accessible, bioactive, and smart antibacterial materials, opening new avenues in the field of smart medical coatings.