Chitosan/poly (vinyl pyrollidone) coatings improve the antibacterial properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

► CHI/PVP coatings were coated on pretreated PET to enhance the binding capacity of the coatings. ► CHI/PVP coatings have favorable bactericidal activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. ► Increasing PVP amount obviously reduce adhesion of bacteria. ► Antibacterial mechanism study indicates a combined dissolution release and contact killing existing. ► CHI/PVP coatings have good biocompatibility towards human umbilical vein endothelial cells.