Nanoparticle-Doped Antibacterial and Antifungal Coatings

Antimicrobial polymeric coatings rely not only on their surface functionalities but also on nanoparticles (NPs). Antimicrobial coatings gain their properties from the addition of NPs into a polymeric matrix. NPs that have been used include metal-based NPs, metal oxide NPs, carbon-based nanomaterials, and organic NPs. Copper NPs and silver NPs exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties. So, when present in coatings, they will release metal ions with the combined effect of having bacteriostatic/bactericidal properties, preventing the growth of pathogens on surfaces covered by these nano-enhanced films. In addition, metal oxide NPs such as titanium dioxide NPs (TiO₂ NPs) and zinc oxide NPs (ZnONPs) are used as NPs in antimicrobial polymeric coatings. Under UV irradiation, these NPs show photocatalytic properties that lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to UV radiation. After various forms of nano-carbon materials were successfully developed over the past decade, they and their derivatives from graphite/nanotubes, and composite sheets have been receiving more attention because they share an extremely large surface area, excellent mechanical strength, etc. These NPs not only show the ability to cause oxidative stress but also have the ability to release antimicrobial chemicals under control, resulting in long-lasting antibacterial action. The effectiveness and life spans of the antifouling performance of a variety of polymeric materials have been improved by adding nano-sized particles to those coatings.