Non-cytotoxic antibacterial silver-coumarin complex doped sol-gel coatings

► Non-cytotoxic Ag-coumarin complex coatings were evaluated for antibacterial efficacy. ► XPS confirmed that the silver was in its metallic form (Ag0) on the coating surface. ► ICP showed gradual release of Ag+ from the Ag-coumarin coating over extended periods. ► Cytotoxicity studies confirmed that coumarin lowered the toxicity of Ag+ in the coating. ► Potential hygienic coating surfaces with low toxicity were developed.