Regenerable bacterial killing–releasing ultrathin smart hydrogel surfaces modified with zwitterionic polymer brushes

Abstract Building long-lasting antimicrobial and clean surfaces is one of the most effective strategies to inhibit bacterial infection, but obtaining an ideal smart surface with highly efficient, controllable, regenerative properties still encounters many challenges. Herein, we fabricate ultrathin brush–hydrogel hybrid coating (PSBMA-P(HEAA- co -METAC)) by integrating antifouling polyzwitterionic (PSBMA) brushes polycationic (P(HEAA- hydrogels. The killing–releasing can be achieved independently opposite volume conformation changes between swelling (shrinking) P(HEAA- -METAC) hydrogel layer shrinking (swelling) PSBMA brushes. friction test reveals that both METAC SBMA components support great lubrication. By tuning initial organosilane (BrTMOS:KH570) ratios, prepared PSBMA-P(HEAA- exhibits different antibacterial abilities from single “capturing–killing” versatile “capturing–killing–releasing.” Most importantly, 99% bacterial-releasing rate easily via 0.5 M NaCl treatment. This not only possesses performance, ∼1.09 × 10 5 cell·cm −2 residue even after 72 h exposure bacteria solutions, also regenerated triggered water salt solution multiple times. work provides a new way coatings “killing–releasing” functions shows potential for biomedical applications.