Challenges to the design and testing of antimicrobial nanostructured surfaces

Nanomaterials, specifically nano-topographies, have been explored for their antimicrobial activity toward bacteria, fungi and even viruses. A decade ago, we discovered that the nanopillar topography of insect wings such as cicadas, dragonflies damselflies, were not repelling bacteria previously surmised, but attaching consequently being killed. The nature bactericidal effect associated with nanostructured has extended to include both environmental pathogenic fungi. Specifically, is physical disintegration attached microbes due a mechanical stress imposed on cell membrane, which stretches breaks. This exciting new discovery implies that, if successfully replicated surface biomaterials implantable devices, systemic or local administration antibiotics are no longer required kill attach surfaces.