Synergistic Poly(lactic acid) Antibacterial Surface Combining Superhydrophobicity for Antiadhesion and Chlorophyll for Photodynamic Therapy

The problem of nosocomial infections caused by bacterial growth on material surfaces is an urgent threat to public health. Although numerous materials and methods have been explored to fight against infections, the methods are complicated and the materials are slightly toxic. It is highly desirable to develop an antibacterial strategy that kills bacteria effectively without drug resistance and cytotoxicity. Herein, we present a synergistic antibacterial polylactic acid (PLA) surface with superhydrophobic antibacterial adhesion and photodynamic bactericidal activity. Initially, the surface displayed low-adhesion superhydrophobicity and resisted most bacterial adhesion. Furthermore, completely non-toxic chlorophyll possessed excellent photodynamic bactericidal properties under non-toxic visible light, which was incorporated into micro-/nanoscale PLA surfaces. We achieved efficient antibacterial activity using completely non-toxic materials and a facile non-solvent-induced phase separation process. This non-toxic, simple, good biocompatible, and no drug-resistant strategy has great advantages in combating bacterial infections.