In-situ synthesis of Drug-Containing bactericidal rough silica nanoparticles for antibacterial coating

Biomimetic rough silica nanoparticles (RNPs) have emerged as a promising drug delivery platform for antimicrobial applications, featuring unique adhesive property towards pathogens and enabling efficient bacterial killing. However, bare silica has an inert nature, thus requiring post-loading of antimicrobial agents. The in-situ synthesis of bioactive RNPs containing antibacterial agents is highly desired but remains challenging. Herein, we report the designed synthesis of bactericidal RNPs templated by an antibacterial drug of benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Compared to the counterpart with a smooth surface, RNPs-BAC exhibit enhanced antibacterial performance. Moreover, the RNPs-BAC nanocomposites allow ease of functionalization of substrates and fabric masks, providing an antibacterial coating strategy with durable pathogen-killing performance that cannot be achieved by the antibacterial drug itself. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of the innovative RNPs-based nanocomposites in antibacterial applications such as medical and wearable devices.