[Inhibition of bacterial adhesion and prevention of biofilm formation: Use of organic self-assembled monolayers on inorganic surfaces]

Abstract

Implant related nosocomial infections are a serious public health concern. Colonisation by contaminating bacteria of the bare implant surface may lead to the formation of a biofilm protecting bacteria against host defences and antibiotics. To decrease the risk of infection, a strategy is to modify the biomaterial surface by an antibacterial coating, inhibiting bacterial adhesion ("passive" coatings) or able to kill bacteria ("active" coatings). This article describes the potential of self-assembled monolayers as antibacterial coatings allowing the molecular level control of the surface properties of inorganic substrates. After a presentation of the compounds used to form self-assembled monolayers, we present the literature dealing with antibacterial monolayers and the latest developments concerning "active" phosphonate monolayers that significantly inhibit the growth of bacterial biofilm.