Abstract: The disclosure relates to coatings that contain silver, either in the form of metallic silver, silver oxides, salts of silver, or combinations of these. The silver is present in a microparticulate or nanoparticulate form, which exerts antimicrobial activity when bacteria (e.g., in a body fluid) contact the coated surface. The coatings are applied through accumulation of silver-containing particles on the surface, such as by sputtering or electron beam vapor deposition. As a result, their thickness, particle size, and density can be controlled. Furthermore, the surface can also be coated with other substances, such as diamond-like carbon or alumina, either as a discrete layer or intermixed with the silver-containing particles.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to coatings that contain silver, either in the form of metallic silver, silver oxides, salts of silver, or combinations of these. The silver is present in a microparticulate or nanoparticulate form, which exerts antimicrobial activity when bacteria (e.g., in a body fluid) contact the coated surface. The coatings are applied through accumulation of silver-containing particles on the surface, such as by sputtering or electron beam vapor deposition. As a result, their thickness, particle size, and density can be controlled. Furthermore, the surface can also be coated with other substances, such as diamond-like carbon or alumina, either as a discrete layer or intermixed with the silver-containing particles.