Bacterial adhesion eradication and biofilm inhibition through laser surface texturing

The growing problem of bacterial and microbial resistance to antibiotics is closely tied to the ability of such microorganisms to form biofilms, composed of complex microbial communities embedded in an extracellular matrix (EPS). In fact, quorum sensing enables bacteria to coordinate their behaviors within biofilms, further increasing their resistance to external threats compared to free-floating forms, thus complicating the treatment with conventional antibiotics. Therefore, biofilm formation is closely linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which significantly increases health threats and the costs for the healthcare public system. Traditional antibacterial agents, such as silver ion coatings, photocatalytic materials, leaching biocides, and polymer chains, have shown some limitations, such as pathogen resistance, durability issues, and potential health risks. In response to these challenges, laser surface texturing (LST) has emerged as a promising and sustainable antibacterial alternative which consists in modifying the surfaces at the micro- and nanometric scales to inhibit bacterial colonization or destroy bacterial membranes. LST can prevent bacterial adhesion and biofouling or, on the other hand, promote biocidal action after bacterial adhesion. This review examines how laser-treated surfaces influence the behavior of key bacterial strains, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, exploring the mechanisms by which LST affects bacterial adhesion, morphology, and biofilm formation. The effectiveness of these mechanisms will be assessed both individually and in combination based on the characteristics of each bacterial strain.