Polymer/nanosilver composite coatings for antibacterial applications

[Display omitted] ► Progress on antibacterial mechanism and cytotoxic effects of nanosilver is presented. ► Antibacterial functions of polymers are described. ► Recent proceedings in fabrication of polymer/nanosilver composite coatings for antibacterial applications are surveyed. ► Future challenges and directions of polymer/nanosilver composite coatings for antibacterial applications are proposed. Nanosilver is regarded as a new generation of antibacterial agents and has great potential to be utilized in antibacterial surface coatings for medical devices, food package and industrial pipes. However, disadvantages such as easy aggregation, uncontrollable release of silver ions and potential cytotoxicity greatly hinder its uses. Recently, polymers possessing unique functions have been employed to fabricate nanocomposite coatings with nanosilver for better biocompatibility and enhanced antibacterial activity. This review starts with progress on antibacterial mechanism and cytotoxic effects of nanosilver. Antibacterial functions of polymers are subsequently discussed. Advances of fabrication of polymer/nanosilver composite coatings for antibacterial applications are surveyed. Finally, conclusions and perspectives, in particular future directions of polymer/nanosilver composite coatings for antibacterial applications are proposed. It is expected that this review is able to provide the updated accomplishments of the polymer/nanosilver composite coatings for antibacterial applications while attracting great interest of research and development in this area.