Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Coatings
Antibacterial coatings are prepared using three main strategies of contact-killing, antibacterial agent release, and anti-adhesion or bacteria-repelling technology. The antibacterial coating technology is witnessing the growth of new possibilities of multi-functional, multi-release, and multi-approach coatings \cite{chemistry}.
With the advent of numerous harmful microorganisms, some even unknown ones, the coating technology aims for a more versatile smart coating. Multiple new antimicrobial coating technologies are being explored to counter the attack of extremely contagious and harmful pathogens on various surfaces, including plastic, metals, glass, wood, fabric, medicinal implants, surgical equipment, commonly touched surfaces, etc.
Antimicrobial coatings use cellular membrane permeability as the primary weapon against harmful pathogens. The coating compositions include graphene materials (GMs), Graphene-like two-dimensional materials (2DMats), Polycationic hydrogel, polymers, and dendrimers. The latest nanotechnology, mostly silver nanoparticles, is proving its efficacy as a robust antimicrobial agent.
Today coatings technology is reaching new heights with new developments like smart coatings, self-cleaning coatings, oleophobic coatings, hydrophobic coatings, and numerous other novel coating technologies fulfilling the requirement of multiple surfaces exposed to varied exposure level in different settings.
Apart from protection from harmful pathogens, antimicrobial coatings also greatly reduce maintenance costs while increasing the surface's life span due to being anti-corrosive. With such antimicrobial coatings, the need for harsh cleaning agents is drastically reduced while maintaining health and cleanliness standards. New coating technology also provides a finish to the surface while contributing to the infrastructure standard and conforming to health standards in all settings.
Conclusion
The terminologies define the scope of the antimicrobial nature of the compound or coating developed; whether it is the -cidal or -static nature of the compound or coating. These in turn help structured understanding and development of different chemistries to develop a variety of products to protect against emerging infections. A clear understanding of the difference between the two terms could help to manufacture better coatings conducive to application. A suitable antibacterial or antimicrobial technology application could lead to numerous advantages like lowering healthcare costs, labor costs, life-cycle cost, along with numerous other beneficial attributes.