pH-Responsive Smart Wettability Surface with Dual Bactericidal and Releasing Properties

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Biomaterial-associated infections pose significant risks to human health.
• Developing effective strategies to combat bacterial adhesion and proliferation on biomaterials is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and prepare a smart surface with pH-responsive wettability for synergistic antibacterial applications.
• To investigate the surface's ability to control bacterial adhesion, release, and viability.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a smart surface with switchable superhydrophobicity/hydrophobicity via pH response.
• Incorporation of silver nanoparticles for enhanced bactericidal activity.
• Evaluation of bacterial adhesion resistance and removal efficiency under varying pH conditions.

Main Results:

• The smart surface demonstrated reversible pH-responsive wettability, controlling bacterial adhesion and release.
• High liquid repellency significantly reduced bacterial adhesion (85% after 10s, 71% after 1h).
• Combined action of pH-triggered release and silver nanoparticles achieved over 99% bacterial removal efficiency, with >75% bacterial deactivation.

Conclusions:

• The developed smart surface exhibits synergistic antibacterial properties through adhesion resistance and bactericidal activity.
• The pH-responsive nature allows for controlled bacterial management, including adhesion, deactivation, and release.
• This technology holds promise for advanced antibacterial applications in biomaterials.