Antibacterial and Smart Drug-Release Thin Films: Materials, Mechanisms, and Technological Advances

Abstract

Antibacterial and smart drug release thin films represent a converging research frontier in biomaterials, surface engineering, and nanomedicine. The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant pathogens and implant-associated infections has intensified the search for novel materials capable of preventing bacterial colonization while delivering therapeutic agents in a controlled and responsive manner. Thin films can be fabricated from metals and metal oxides such as Ag, ZnO, Cu, CuO, and TiO 2 , as well as from polymers, ceramics, and newer two-dimensional materials. These systems are valuable because their thickness can be precisely adjusted and their surface characteristics can be tailored at the nanoscale. In addition, they can be readily incorporated into biomedical devices. This review highlights bio silica nanocasting for mesoporous antibacterial thin films, covering the material classes, mechanisms of antibacterial action and drug delivery, fabrication strategies, and applications. Emphasis is placed on stimulus-responsive coatings, hybrid architectures, and multifunctional systems that combine antibacterial activity with therapeutic release. The present study critically examines challenges related to biocompatibility and scalability, while delineating prospective avenues for the advancement of intelligent coatings with potential clinical applicability in next-generation healthcare solutions. Follow-up experiments would systematically evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy, tunable drug release profiles, and long-term biocompatibility of advanced thin film coatings under clinically relevant conditions.