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Functional nano-coatings have been a research hotspot in recent years. The nano-size composition units provide good volume effect and surface effect for functional nano-coatings, and greatly optimize the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance and wear resistance of the coatings. The preparation technology and properties of functional nano-coatings determine the application range of nano-coatings. However, most reviews focus on certain properties, preparation methods or applications of functional nano-coatings, and lack of reviews on the integrity of functional nano-coatings. Firstly, this work introduced the concept and classification of functional nano-coatings briefly. Secondly, the preparation techniques of functional nano-coatings were described in detail, including traditional chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition and sol-gel method, the latest plasma spraying technology and other preparation techniques. Moreover, the principles, advantages and disadvantages of various nano-coatings preparation technologies and the application of nano-coatings in materials were analyzed and summarized. Finally, the latest and popular applications of functional nano-coatings were reviewed in detail, and the application prospect and potential of functional nano-coatings were prospected.

• Nano-engineered hybrid Pluronic-titania films show bactericidal activity. • Superstructuration can turn inert self-assembled polymer into highly bactericidal. • Maximum bactericidal efficiency relies on appropriate superstructured configuration. • A hybrid biocompatible coating with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity is shown. Poloxamer block copolymers (also known as Pluronic®) are particularly useful for drug delivery and self-assembly techniques. These nanopolymers are generally considered to be biologically inert and they were used to generate only bacteria repellent surfaces but keeps bacteria alive and as a latent threat. However, the inherent capabilities of these nanopolymers to kill bacteria have been largely overlooked. Here, we report that Pluronic shaped as superstructures (self-organized array of micelles) in fact possess a broad-spectrum bactericidal activity (capability of killing bacteria) similar to that shown for some antibiotics. This further represents the first report that shows that appropriate control of superstructured mesophase architecture is a key parameter for bactericidal efficacy. Based on this finding, we have developed a highly bactericidal coating (>99.9% kill) against all tested Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Salmonella typhimurium LT2 , Escherichia coli K12 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1) bacteria which moreover allows the adhesion and proliferation of mammalian cells. The inexpensiveness and ease of production make these versatile nanopolymer structures a powerful tool for the development of a new generation of highly effective antimicrobial coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]