Modulating Surface Energy and Surface Roughness for Inhibiting Microbial Growth

This chapter summarizes various strategies of developing antibacterial surfaces based on special composition and topography to obtain efficient and long-term antibacterial and/or antifouling properties. These include both active (bacteria killing) and passive (preventing bacteria attachment) strategies. We also look at fabrication techniques that replicate nature-inspired micro- and/or nano-patterns onto surfaces as well as other synthetic ways to impart antibacterial activity to surfaces. The interplay between surface properties and bacterial interaction has been addressed as the key feature for designing such antibacterial and antifouling surfaces.