Coordination chemistry of surface-grafted ligands for antibacterial materials

•Monolayers of metal complexes covalently grafted to bulk surfaces are reviewed.•The antibacterial action of the grafted complexes is examined.•Metal cations surface concentration is stressed and linked to antibacterial effects.•Coordination geometry and stoichiometry on surface is examined.•Comparison is done with surface-grafted monolayers of antibacterial nanoparticles.

Antibacterial metal complex monolayers covalently grafted on bulk surfaces are reviewed, focusing on the experimental values found for metal:ligand surface stoichiometry, on the surface concentration of the complexes, on time-regulated cation release and on the relation with the observed antibacterial properties. Stability, geometry and coordination features of the surface-grafted complexes are discussed where available, and compared with the classical ligand/metal behavior found in solution. In the applicable cases, comparison is made also with surfaces bearing monolayers of silver nanoparticles as antibacterial agents, evidencing the advantages of the coordination complex monolayers in obtaining fast release, efficient antibacterial action and null or negligible risks as regards toxicity.

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