LAUSR

The rise of antimicrobial resistance as a pressing global healthcare challenge underscores the need to identify novel strategies to tackle pathogenic bacteria. Many naturally occurring nanostructures exhibit an innate ability to deactivate bacterial cells by physical contact. However, several aspects of the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood due to the complex interactions of bacterial cells with nanostructures, which are difficult to simulate using theoretical models. This review describes the experimental reports of the state-of-the-art in designing bioinspired mechano-bactericidal surfaces and theoretical models to elucidate underlying phenomena at the cell–material interface. The different processes used to make nanostructured surfaces and their effects on bactericidal activity are summarized. Recent findings disputing the current understanding are critically discussed. Lastly, the challenges and opportunities in fabricating nanostructures on devices and implants for clinical use are presented.