Non-leaching surfaces capable of killing microorganisms on contact

Health care associated infections and deaths have reached dimensions that rival traditional diseases and have become a serious financial burden on the health-care systems. Beyond simple hygiene, hopes are high that new materials capable of killing microorganisms on contact could ease the situation. This review highlights recent trends on surface-modifications capable of eliminating a microbial threat upon contact. Despite significant advances, the field still focuses on chemical synthesis and biological testing without breakthroughs in medical materials research.