65150 2025 eng lecture 0 -- -- -- Functional films with tailored interfacial properties play a pivotal role for the development of next generation surface coatings, particularly in healthcare-related environments. In this contribution, we present a facile spray-coating method for the creation of antimicrobial thin films on high-touch surfaces using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) that were specifically functionalized to enable strong adhesion and sustained release of metal-based antimicrobial agents. The process is scalable and addresses key challenges in adhesion control, film homogeneity, and long-term antimicrobial function against a large range of key pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections. Three distinct types of MSNs – bearing amine (MSN-NH₂), carboxy (MSN-COOH), and thiol (MSN-SH) surface groups – were synthesized to optimize both metal ion loading and interactions with polyelectrolyte-based adhesion layers. These surface modifications not only provide chemical handles for Cu²⁺ and Ag⁺ ion coordination but also modulate nanoparticle-substrate interactions and dispersion behavior during film formation. The coating architecture consists of a two-step process: first, spray deposition of polyelectrolyte primers that anchor strongly to stainless steel substrates; second, a nanoparticle layer that bonds electrostatically and chemically to the primer, forming robust films with great surface coverage. The films were characterized to assess structural integrity, adhesion, and functional performance. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N₂ sorption analysis confirmed the mesoporous structure. ATR-FTIR and zeta potential measurements validated surface functionalization and colloidal stability. Environmental SEM revealed conformal coating across the stainless-steel surfaces with uniform nanoparticle distribution. The coating's adhesion strength was maintained through mechanical wiping and simulated wear and abrasion tests, demonstrating film durability relevant in real-world use scenarios. Antimicrobial testing under semi-dry, application-relevant conditions showed excellent performance for Ag⁺-loaded MSN-SH films, inhibiting growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. These results highlight the synergistic role of surface chemistry, metal ion loading, and film-substrate adhesion in creating effective and wear-resistant functional coatings. Moreover, these films do not show any cytotoxic properties towards Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF). This study contributes new insights into the design of multifunctional films where adhesion, surface functionality, and scalable processing are co-optimized for enhanced performance and shows how combining tailored surface chemistry and wide-ranging antimicrobial activity brings together smart material design for practical and safe use. MRS Fall Meeting 2025 Boston, MA, USA 30.11.2025 05.12.2025 0 publish false true Carolina Bernardino eng uncontrolled Mesoporous silica nanoparticles eng uncontrolled Silver eng uncontrolled Antimicrobial eng uncontrolled Coatings eng uncontrolled Thin film Ingenieurwissenschaften und zugeordnete Tätigkeiten 1 Analytische Chemie; Referenzmaterialien Material Datei im Netzwerk der BAM verfügbar ("Closed Access") Präsentation 1.0 Abteilungsleitung und andere Advanced Materials Materialdesign