Multifunctional Coatings and Nanotopographies: Toward Cell Instructive and Antibacterial Implants

Incomplete material biointegration and bacterial infection are regarded as the two major causes of implant failure. Multifunctional chemical coatings and nanotopographical features are proposed as emerging solutions to simultaneously improve cell adhesion and prevent bacterial colonization on the biomaterial surface.

Abstract

In biomaterials science, it is nowadays well accepted that improving the biointegration of dental and orthopedic implants with surrounding tissues is a major goal. However, implant surfaces that support osteointegration may also favor colonization of bacterial cells. Infection of biomaterials and subsequent biofilm formation can have devastating effects and reduce patient quality of life, representing an emerging concern in healthcare. Conversely, efforts toward inhibiting bacterial colonization may impair biomaterial–tissue integration. Therefore, to improve the long‐term success of medical implants, biomaterial surfaces should ideally discourage the attachment of bacteria without affecting eukaryotic cell functions. However, most current strategies seldom investigate a combined goal. This work reviews recent strategies of surface modification to simultaneously address implant biointegration while mitigating bacterial infections. To this end, two emerging solutions are considered, multifunctional chemical coatings and nanotopographical features.

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