Biofilm accumulation on implantable silicone-based medical devices remains a critical challenge for healthcare systems. To address this, we introduce a novel, multi-modal strategy to preemptively inhibit bacterial colonization. This study investigates the efficacy of plasma-synthesized nanostructured metallic silver coatings—specifically three distinct geometries termed “Sharp blades,” “Thick blades,” and “Leaves”—immobilized onto stretchable substrates via a plasma-polymerized penta-fluorophenyl methacrylate thin film. Crucially, these coatings leverage a synergistic mechanism: the combination of inherent silver bacteriophobicity with the surface’s superhydrophobic topography creates a profound physical impediment to initial bacterial attachment. The bacteriophobic performance, which is tunable by controlling the plasma polymerization parameters of the underlying polymer, was rigorously characterized using FE-SEM, live/dead staining, and direct adhesion counts across various bacterial strains. The results demonstrate a remarkable reduction in bacterial adhesion by up to six orders of magnitude compared to bare surfaces, establishing this plasma-mediated nanostructuring as a highly effective, non-leaching methodology for engineering next-generation, biofilm-resistant medical materials.
