Innovative Antimicrobial Surface Coating Developed for Organic Materials

Researchers led by Professor Bonghoon Kim from the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology have pioneered a cutting-edge surface modification technique that imparts robust antibacterial and antiviral properties to organic surfaces.

Collaborative Research Across Multiple Institutions

This breakthrough was achieved in collaboration with Professor Junkyun Kim of Dankook University’s Polymer System Engineering Department, Senior Researcher Hojun Kim from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology’s Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, and Professor Janghwan Kim of Ajou University’s Advanced New Materials Engineering Department. Their findings were prominently featured as the cover story in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.

Uniform Nanocoatings for Complex Organic Surfaces

The novel technology enables the formation of uniform polydopamine (PDA) layers just a few nanometers thick on diverse organic substrates. Unlike traditional coating methods, this approach effectively covers intricate surfaces with curved pores and microscopic openings, such as human skin, without compromising the surface’s natural texture. This uniformity significantly reduces electrical noise caused by bodily secretions, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of bio-signal monitoring devices.

Antiviral and Antibacterial Efficacy with Tobramycin Integration

When combined with the antibiotic tobramycin, the PDA coating exhibits potent inhibition of coronavirus adherence on skin surfaces. This promising feature opens avenues for its use in medical patches, wearable health monitors, and other protective devices designed to minimize viral transmission.

Eco-Friendly and Versatile Surface Modification

Unlike conventional chemical vapor deposition or self-assembled monolayers, this surface modification technique operates in aqueous solutions without requiring toxic solvents or vacuum conditions. The PDA coatings form rapidly and safely, demonstrating consistent performance across substrates with varying surface energies and textures-including human skin, fruit peels, and animal tissues.

Wide-Ranging Applications and Future Prospects

The versatility of this technology suggests significant potential for scaling in multiple industries, such as infection-resistant materials, wearable biosensors, and cosmetic products. Professor Bonghoon Kim emphasized the importance of this advancement, stating, “Being featured as the cover article in a leading international journal underscores the impact of our work. We aim to further explore the integration of antibacterial and anti-contamination properties in healthcare and wearable electronics moving forward.”

Additional Insights

For further details, see Su Eon Lee’s comprehensive study on mussel-inspired polydopamine surface modification published in Advanced Healthcare Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202500597