Ultra-Strong Surface Coatings Resist Bacteria and Viruses

On September 23, 2025, a landmark study emerged detailing a novel surface modification technology that showcases an ultra-strong coating resistant to bacteria and viruses on complex organic surfaces. This study was spearheaded by Professor Bonghoon Kim from the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST) and was conducted in collaboration with several esteemed colleagues from various institutions, including:

• Professor Junkyun Oh – Department of Polymer System Engineering, Dankook University
• Senior Researcher Hojun Kim – Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)
• Professor Janghwan Kim – Department of Advanced New Materials Engineering, Ajou University

Technological Advancements in Surface Modification

The research was prominently featured in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials as a cover article, highlighting its significance within the scientific community. A key feature of this innovation is the creation of nanometer-thick polydopamine (PDA) layers that can uniformly coat a variety of organic surfaces, including:

• Human skin
• Fruit peels
• Animal tissues

This technology is particularly groundbreaking as it can uniformly coat complex surfaces that have curved or microscopic pores, reducing electrical signal fluctuations from bodily secretions. Moreover, it enhances the stability of bio-signal measurements, which is crucial for medical applications.

Mechanism of Action

The PDA layer exhibits dual functions; it not only maximizes antibacterial effects but also inhibits the adsorption of viruses, including coronaviruses. When combined with the antibiotic tobramycin, the PDA-coated surfaces demonstrate significant resistance to viral adsorption, making them highly effective for applications such as:

• Medical patches
• Wearable sensors

Advantages Over Conventional Methods

This innovative surface modification technique addresses some serious limitations associated with traditional methods such as chemical vapor deposition and self-assembled single molecular membranes. Significant advantages include:

Future Directions and Applications

The research team plans to explore further applications of this technology in various sectors. Potential future applications include:

• Anti-infection materials for healthcare
• Vital sign measurement devices
• Cosmetics and beauty products designed to inhibit bacteria and viruses

Professor Bonghoon Kim expressed optimism about advancing this technology, stating, “This study holds significance as it was featured as the cover article in a prestigious international journal. We will continue to examine how antibacterial and anti-contamination functions can be applied in the pharmaceutical and wearable electronic device sectors in the future.”

Concluding Remarks

The advancements in ultra-strong coatings that resist bacterial and viral contamination highlight a promising frontier in materials science, especially in the context of medical applications. As further studies unfold, the potential impact of these technologies on public health and safety could be profound.

Journal Information

For more detailed information on this study, refer to:
Su Eon Lee et al, Direct Surface Modification of the Epidermis Using Mussel‐Inspired Polydopamine with Multiple Anti‐Biofouling Functions, Advanced Healthcare Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202500597

Citation: Ultra-strong coating resists bacteria and viruses on complex organic surfaces (2025, September 23) retrieved 23 September 2025 from https://phys.org/news/2025-09-ultra-strong-coating-resists-bacteria.html