Can hydrogel coatings be prepared by photografting on polymer substrates?

There have been some reports on the preparation of thin hydrogel layers by photografting on polymer substrates [, , ], and hydrogel coatings with antibacterial properties have also been investigated [89, 90].

How can antibacterial hydrogel coating be introduced?

Antibacterial hydrogel coating can be introduced by surface-initiated graft polymerization. Anchoring hydrogel coating by incorporating surface functional groups into network during crosslinking. Antibacterial hydrogel layer can be fabricated by chemical crosslinking of layer-by-layer coating.

How does a Multifunctional hydrogel coating improve biofilm formation?

The multifunctional hydrogel coating was attached on the surface of implants during its formation, which greatly simplified the modification process. The release of AMP from the hydrogel layer could effectively prevent the formation of biofilms on the surfaces.

Are hydrogel coatings anchored through free radical polymerization stable?

Unlike surface-attached hydrogel coatings prepared by catechol chemistry with complex reaction mechanisms, hydrogel coatings anchored through free radical polymerization of vinyl groups are interfacially conjugated via stable C–C bonds, which may have higher stability against extreme pH.

How to prevent delamination of hydrogel coatings from substrates?

To prevent possible delamination of hydrogel coatings from substrates, it is crucial to attach hydrogel layers via stronger links, such as covalent bonds. To date, various surface chemical strategies have been developed to introduce hydrogel coatings on different substrates.

How antibacterial hydrogel layer can be fabricated by chemical crosslinking?

Antibacterial hydrogel layer can be fabricated by chemical crosslinking of layer-by-layer coating. Hydrogels have emerged as promising antimicrobial materials due to their unique three-dimensional structure, which provides sufficient capacity to accommodate various materials, including small molecules, polymers and particles.