A Metal‐Ion‐Incorporated Mussel‐Inspired Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)‐Based Polymer Coating Offers Improved Antibacterial Activity and Cellular Mechanoresponse Manipulation

Cobalt (CoII) ions have been an attractive candidate for the biomedical modification of orthopedic implants decades. However, limited research has performed into how immobilized CoII affect physical properties implant devices and these changes regulate cellular behavior. In this study we modified biocompatible poly(vinyl alcohol) with terpyridine catechol groups (PVA-TP-CA) to create a stable surface coating in which bioactive metal could be anchored, endowing improved broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli Staphylococcus aureus , as well enhanced stiffness mechanoresponse manipulation. Strengthened by addition ions, elicited mechanosensing from adjacent cells, facilitating cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation on coating. This dual-functional PVA-TP-CA/Co offers promising approach improving clinical implantation outcomes.