Dual-functional copper-zinc coatings with antibacterial adhesion and synergistic photothermal bactericidal properties

Bacterial infection of biomedical devices presents a significant challenge in modern clinical medicine. Therefore, manufacturing surfaces with antibacterial and anti-adhesion properties is crucial to reduce the risk of infection. In this study, we created a copper-zinc antibacterial coating on stainless steel by electrochemical deposition. A superhydrophobic coating made of Cu 5 Zn 8 with a micro-nano structure was formed on the steel surface. The coating exhibits a water contact angle of 154°, effectively reducing bacterial adhesion by over 99%. The ions and reactive oxygen species released from the coating can kill more than 99% of bacteria and provide a static antibacterial effect lasting over 24 h. Additionally, the coating exhibits notable antibacterial and photothermal properties under near-infrared light irradiation, reaching temperatures of 60 °C within 2 min. This work successfully constructs a copper-zinc antibacterial coating with anti-adhesion, antibacterial, and NIR-responsive photothermal antibacterial properties, providing a dynamic and static combined antibacterial strategy for medical device surfaces. Graphical abstract The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.