Copper-coated carbon nanotube surfaces for inhibiting biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Biofilm-associated infections caused by clinically important pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) remain a major challenge in healthcare settings due to enhanced antimicrobial resistance and persistence. In recent years, copper-coated carbon nanotubes (Cu-CNTs) have gained considerable attention as promising antimicrobial nanomaterials for preventing biofilm formation on medical devices and hospital-associated surfaces. This review summarizes recent advances in the development and application of Cu-CNT-based antimicrobial coatings, with an emphasis on their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. The synergistic combination of the high surface-area-to-volume ratio of CNTs and the potent antimicrobial properties of copper (Cu) ions enhances microbial inhibition. Previous studies suggest that Cu-CNTs interfere with initial bacterial adhesion, inhibit biofilm maturation, and disrupt established biofilms through mechanisms involving oxidative stress generation, membrane destabilization, and cellular damage. Furthermore, the review discusses the physicochemical characteristics, antimicrobial mechanisms, biomedical applications, and potential challenges associated with Cu-CNT coatings, including toxicity and biocompatibility concerns. Overall, Cu-CNT-based coatings represent a promising strategy for developing durable antimicrobial surfaces to control chronic biofilm-associated infections and reduce healthcare-associated contamination.