Biomimetic Anchors for Antifouling and Antibacterial Polymeric Coatings

Abstract

Biofouling is a complex and dynamic problem with global impact on human health, economy and environment. The design and construction of antifouling and antibacterial coatings have been a persistent research effort. A variety of functional polymeric coatings have been developed for combating biofouling. The development of mussel- and tea stains-inspired surface chemistry has led to the implementation of biomimetic strategies for the deposition of antifouling and antibacterial polymer brush coatings. This report describes the application of biomimetic anchors, in conjugation with the advances in surface-initiated controlled radical polymerization methods, for the deposition or immobilization of functional polymeric materials in the construction of antifouling and antibacterial coatings.