Polymeric Composite Thin Films Deposited by Laser Techniques for Antimicrobial Applications-A Short Overview.

Polymeric composite thin films have emerged as promising antimicrobial materials, particularly in response to rising antibiotic resistance. This review highlights the development and application of such films produced by laser-based deposition techniques, notably pulsed laser deposition and matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation. These methods offer precise control over film composition, structure, and thickness, making them ideal for embedding antimicrobial agents such as metal nanoparticles, antibiotics, and natural compounds into polymeric matrices. The resulting composite coatings exhibit enhanced antimicrobial properties against a wide range of pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains, by leveraging mechanisms such as ion release, reactive oxygen species generation, and membrane disruption. The review also discusses critical parameters influencing antimicrobial efficacy, including film morphology, composition, and substrate interactions. Applications include biomedical devices, implants, wound dressings, and surfaces in the healthcare and food industries.