Speaker
Descrizione
The rapid spread of antibiotic resistance is driving the development of alternative strategies to prevent bacterial colonization on surfaces. In this context, antibacterial nanostructured surfaces (ANSs), particularly those based on high-aspect ratio nanoneedle arrays, have attracted growing attention for their ability to mechanically disrupt bacterial membranes and induce stress responses independently of conventional antibiotics. These nano-engineered interfaces offer a promising route to overcome current limitations of antimicrobial therapies, yet several fundamental questions remain open regarding their mechanisms of action, long-term effectiveness, and selectivity toward different bacterial species.
A key scientific challenge is understanding how nanoscale parameters, such as needle geometry, orientation, density, and surface chemistry, govern the interplay between physical damage, ion-mediated effects, and oxidative stress in bacterial cells. Moreover, the variability of bacterial responses, especially between Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, highlights the need for predictive models linking nanostructure design to antimicrobial performance. Addressing these aspects is essential for advancing ANSs from proof-of-concept systems to reliable, application-oriented technologies.
Within the specific context of bone-related applications, these challenges become even more complex. Surfaces are required not only to prevent or eradicate infections but also to support tissue integration and regeneration. This dual requirement exposes a key limitation of many existing ANSs, which are often based on bioinert materials that lack the ability to actively promote healing processes. Therefore, the development of multifunctional surfaces capable of combining antibacterial activity with regenerative potential represents a critical research direction.
Building on recent advances in calcium phosphate (CaP)-based nanoneedle arrays, future efforts will increasingly focus on exploiting the unique properties of these biomimetic materials. Beyond enabling the fabrication of controlled nanostructures, CaPs are intrinsically bioactive and closely mimic the mineral component of bone, making them particularly suited for applications where the induction of new bone formation is essential. Their capacity to support osteogenic cell functions provides a significant advantage over conventional nanostructured materials. At the same time, the possibility to introduce functional ions (e.g., Zn, Sr, Mg), bioactive molecules, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) opens new opportunities to develop multifunctional surfaces that combine mechano-bactericidal activity with targeted biochemical antimicrobial effects while preserving cytocompatibility.
Achieving these goals will require the rational design of such systems by integrating nano-topographical cues, controlled ion release, and biofunctionalization strategies to maximize antibacterial efficacy while promoting tissue regeneration. Particular attention should be devoted to elucidating the synergistic contribution of mechanical membrane disruption, ion-mediated antibacterial activity, and biochemical antimicrobial mechanisms, as well as to establishing predictive structure–property–function relationships for the rational design of next-generation antibacterial biomaterials. Equally important will be the investigation of interactions with host cells, including immune and stem cell populations, to better understand how these surfaces influence the balance between inflammation, infection control, and tissue regeneration.
Advancing this field will require interdisciplinary approaches and provide significant opportunities for collaboration within the ISMN network. In particular, the integration of expertise in the synthesis and advanced physicochemical characterization of nanostructured biomaterials with microbiology and cell biology will be essential to accelerate the development of multifunctional antibacterial surfaces for bone-related applications.
| Giovane Ricercatore (under 40) | No |
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