The design of superhydrophobic stainless steel surfaces by controlling nanostructures: A key parameter to reduce the implantation of pathogenic bacteria

•Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are repelled by superhydrophobic surfaces.•Stainless steel surfaces in a Cassie-Baxter state reduce pathogenic bacteria adhesion.•Controlling topographical features on stainless steel surface limit bacterial adhesion.

Reducing bacterial adhesion on substrates is fundamental for various industries. In this work, new superhydrophobic surfaces are created by electrodeposition of hydrophobic polymers (PEDOT-F4 or PEDOT-H8) on stainless steel with controlled topographical features, especially at a nano-scale. Results show that anti-bioadhesive and anti-biofilm properties require the control of the surface topographical features, and should be associated with a low adhesion of water onto the surface (Cassie-Baxter state) with limited crevice features at the scale of bacterial cells (nano-scale structures).

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