Antimicrobial Thin Coatings Prepared by Laser Processing

In the context of increased numbers of multidrug-resistant bacteria cases, new methods for combating biofilm-associated infections have been proposed. One of these methods refers to the development of specifically designed coatings for implants and medical devices. Laser-assisted methods have offered promising solutions in the processing of different thin films with modulated properties. This chapter reviews recent examples of antimicrobial coatings obtained using this type of method, focusing on pulsed laser deposition and matrix-assisted pulsed laser deposition. The ion implantation approach is also discussed, because this is becoming increasingly used in the modification of implants and medical device surfaces to obtain improved properties.