Hybrid Antibacterial Surfaces: Combining Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures with Polydopamine-Chitosan-Silver Nanoparticle Nanocomposite Coating

Bacterial biofilm-associated infections are a persistent and growing problem, further exacerbated by the rapid development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Antibacterial surfaces hold great potential for controlling the survival, growth, and transmission of bacterial pathogens. This study demonstrates the synergetic integration of laser-assisted topographical surface modification with coating solutions to simultaneously engage both chemical and nano-/micro-topography-sensitive bacterial attachment mechanisms. The developed mechano-chemo bactericidal surface combines laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on titanium (Ti) with a polydopamine-chitosan-silver nanoparticles (PCA) composite coating. The antibacterial performance of this hybrid surface against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) exceeds the benchmark performance achieved by either surface modification approach alone. The hybrid surface demonstrates superior resistance to biofilm formation, offering a viable route for large-scale production of antimicrobial surfaces with enhanced functionality and superior long-term performance. This study presents a novel hybrid antibacterial surface modification approach, combining LIPSS on Ti with PCA nanocomposite coating. The antibacterial performance of this hybrid surface against Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus exceeds the benchmark performance achieved by either surface modification approach alone. This hybrid method provides a scalable solution for developing high-performance antimicrobial surfaces. image