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The ZnO nanoarrays exhibit an ultra-fast physico-bactericidal activity within 1 min. • The ultra-fast bactericidal mechanism is attributed to the greater stress enabled by the sharp tips and uneven topography. • The ZnO nanoarray tips can be reexposed under a mild UV light source, and the surface has sustainable bactericidal properties.

Bacteria are widely distributed in the natural environment and the surfaces of objects, bringing about much trouble in our lives. Varies nanomaterials have been demonstrated good effect on killing microbe, but the consistency and stability seem to be improved. Recently, antibacterial effect on surfaces of some natural nanostructures was recognized, and more and more evidences were provided as a new type of bactericidal mechanism, the physical sterilization. The dragonfly and cicada wings have been found to possess the most exceptional antibacterial properties because of the specific nanostructure. Inspired by the biofunctions, researchers began to build a series of physico-antimicrobial surfaces on different materials to avoid the abuse of antibiotics and the environmental pollution of organic antibacterial agents. The physico-antimicrobial structure does not rely on chemical components, and a series of physico-antimicrobial models have been established. To deeply understand the physically bactericidal effect, this article reviews a series of natural and biomimetic physical antibacterial surfaces and makes reasonable expectations for the application of such composite materials in constructing physical antibacterial surfaces.

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