Metalated polymer brush coatings with excellent transparence and antibacterial properties

Abstract

Surface-grafted polymer brushes with controlled properties and nanoscale thickness are ideal candidates for transparent coatings to prevent biofouling. However, maintaining long-term antibacterial performance in natural environments remains a significant challenge. In this study, we present a metalated polymer brush (Mt-PB) coating that combines excellent transparency with antimicrobial properties. The coating is prepared by incorporating transition metal ions (e.g., Cu and Ag) into surface-grafted polymer brushes through cooperative in situ reduction. Due to the ultra-thinness of the metalated brush layer (Cu-PB, ∼60.07 nm; Ag-PB, ∼57.45 nm), the resulting coating exhibits high optical transmittance (∼86%) and superior antibacterial efficiency (∼99.99% inhibition rate against E. coli and S. aureus). Additionally, the Mt-PB-coated lens demonstrates excellent antibacterial and antifouling durability, as evidenced by underwater detection tests that provide high-resolution images and stable transparency (Δ < 2%) for over a month of underwater exposure. These findings offer a promising strategy for developing transparent and antifouling coatings suitable for underwater optical devices.