Surface Antimicrobial Treatment by Biocompatible, Vertically Aligned Layered Double Hydroxide Array

Vertically aligned layered double hydroxide (V-LDH) array has been growing on various substrates by a simple solution hydrolysis method. The surface shows good topology with LDH edges extending upward, which can potentially rupture the attached bacteria cells and kill them. V-LDH after calcination shows remarkable enhanced antibacterial properties. Not only do the edges become thinner and sharper, the surface also becomes highly hydrophilic. It is found that surface potential of V-LDH does not change its antibacterial property. However, the hydrophilicity significantly enhances antibacterial properties. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that the V-LDH surface has good biocompatibility. The V-LDH antibacterial coating has potentially broad applications due to its good antibacterial properties and biocompatibility.