The coating achieves a remarkable water contact angle of approximately 153°, demonstrating its effective water repellency and maintaining a small contact angle hysteresis of around 5°.

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed a groundbreaking graphene-based antibacterial coating that can eliminate 99.99% of bacteria on surfaces.

This innovative coating exhibits three essential properties: superhydrophobicity, photocatalytic self-cleaning, and biocidal activity, making it a multifunctional solution.

Designed to prevent bacterial adhesion and growth, this coating is crucial for maintaining hygiene in environments such as hospitals, where healthcare-associated infections are a significant concern.

Healthcare-associated infections pose a major global problem, leading to suffering, high costs, and increased antibiotic resistance, highlighting the need for effective solutions.

The coating's effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial growth was confirmed, with results showing a 94.8% inhibition of E. coli and a 99.9% inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus.

The antibacterial properties were rigorously evaluated using turbidimetry and inhibition halo techniques, ensuring the coating's reliability.

This new method integrates graphene nanoplates into medical surfaces, significantly enhancing their antibacterial properties and addressing the challenges of healthcare-associated infections.

The research team successfully overcame challenges in controlling the orientation of graphene flakes, which is vital for practical applications in medical devices.

The coating's superhydrophobic nature was confirmed with water contact angles of 150° or greater and sliding angles of 10° or less.

The optimal concentration of ZnO nanoparticles used in the coating was determined to be 0.8% w/w, based on extensive wetting and durability tests.

Beyond healthcare, the study highlights the potential applications of this graphene technology in various sectors, including batteries and sensors.