(483b) Cu-Modified Nanotextured Steel for Bactericidal Surfaces

Bacterial adhesion to commonly shared surfaces can lead to severe infections, posing risks of mortality and significant healthcare costs. While antibiotics have been effective to some extent, their continuous use can foster the development of drug-resistant bacteria, contributing to approximately 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2021. Addressing this concern, various studies have explored non-chemical methods to combat both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. However, the resilient outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria presents a challenge, highlighting the need for antibacterial surfaces without antibiotics. Materials like nanotextured polymers, metals, and metal oxides have shown promise in this regard, yet they often fall short against Gram-negative strains. Hence, there is a pressing need for affordable antibacterial surfaces for shared environments that can combat both types of bacteria without promoting drug resistance.

Stainless steel 316L (SS316L) is widely used in public settings due to its favorable properties. In this study, we demonstrate the fabrication of nanotextured stainless steel (nSS) followed by a copper coating using electrochemical techniques, showcasing its potential as an antibiotic-free biocidal surface against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The synergistic effects of nSS and copper offer a promising approach to combating bacterial infections without exacerbating drug resistance. The combination of small grooves and ridges on the nanotextured surface impedes bacterial attachment and spreading, while the release of copper ions inhibits bacterial growth. Our method involves applying a copper coating to nanotextured stainless steel, resulting in significant antibacterial activity within 30 minutes. Cu-coated nSS demonstrated a remarkable reduction of 97% in Gram-negative Escherichia coli and 99% in Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria. Overall, our material shows potential for developing effective, scalable, and sustainable solutions to mitigate bacterial infections stemming from surface contamination, without contributing to drug resistance issues.