Antibacterial coatings are vital for addressing implant-associated infections on device surfaces. These coatings exhibit passive and active characteristics, depending on whether they locally release antibacterial agents. Passive coatings operate by impeding bacterial attachment and eradicating bacteria upon contact. The coating's physical and chemical attributes influence bacterial behaviour, including surface roughness, wettability, and conductivity. Notably, a crystalline anatase-enriched surface on titanium, created via anodization and heat treatment, substantially reduced the attachment of various bacterial strains without negatively affecting soft- and hard-tissue cellular responses. Polymer-coated titanium surfaces, like those coated with poly (ethylene glycol) and poly (methacrylic acid), also exhibited the capability to deter bacterial adhesion. Although passive coatings avoid the development of bacterial resistance, their antibacterial effectiveness is somewhat limited and varies among different bacterial strains. Active coatings release antibacterial agents into the adjacent tissues, including antibiotics, bioactive compounds, and inorganic antimicrobial agents. Several antibiotics have been incorporated into bio ceramics or biodegradable polymer coatings, such as gentamicin, amoxicillin, and vancomycin. However, achieving optimal release kinetics with minimal detrimental effects on cellular functions and tissue integration poses challenges. Moreover, concerns about potential bacterial drug resistance exist. Coatings containing nonantibiotic organic antibacterial agents, like chloroxylenol and chlorhexidine, present a solution with lower pathogen resistance risk. However, controlled and sustained release of these agents remains difficult. While in vivo evidence supporting their cytocompatibility and efficacy is inconclusive, they offer potential benefits. Nevertheless, due to the heat sensitivity of antibiotics and organic antibacterial agents, their incorporation through high-energy processes such as thermal spraying is restricted.
Active coatings can also be enriched with inorganic antimicrobial agents, mostly silver (Ag). Ag boasts a broad antibacterial spectrum and high biocompatibility, and its introduction through established methods like Pulsed Ion and Electron Beam-Induced Deposition (PID) and thermal spraying is feasible. Enhanced antibacterial efficacy was observed with Ag-doped hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings on titanium, maintaining cytocompatibility. However, further research is needed to comprehend potential long-term tissue toxicity and precise antibacterial mechanisms. Additional inorganic agents include Cu, F, Ca, N, and Zn, which can be incorporated into various biomaterials, including ceramics, polymers, metals, and diamond-like carbon (DLC).
FutureWise Market Research has published a report that provides an insightful analysis of Antibacterial Coatings Market trends that are affecting the overall market growth. This report will provide a detailed analysis of market share, regional insights, and competitor analysis that includes stature of key manufacturers operational in this industry. By the end of the forecast period FutureWise research analysts’ projects that Antibacterial Coatings Market will experience a significant growth. According to the analysis done, this report will help understand the information referring to the total valuation held by this industry. Additionally, this report will help in understanding the growth opportunities held by various segments of this market, further assist in making better strategic and expansion decisions by key stakeholders of an organization.