Dear Colleagues,

Since the outbreak of SARS COV-2 (Covid-19), the disease has spread rapidly around as the global pandemic. Considering Covid-19’s potential threat, material scientists and engineers have been rushing to understand this novel virus’ surface stability, which could lead to the creation of antiviral coatings that could substantially reduce the virus’ stabilization on different surfaces, thereby reducing community transmission. Such solutions also fit in context with prosthetic/implant surfaces involving vascularized areas and oral cavity prostheses, particularly as potential routes to viral entry. This will be a great focus to develop anti-infective solutions in the post-corona era. To support current research and development in this field, the journal Prosthesis is launching this Special Issue entitled “Antiviral and antimicrobial surface design strategies” to provide an overview of published scientific knowledge with a focus on prosthesis and implant coating. This Special Issue aims to present research papers, brief correspondence, and reviews articles based on new approaches addressing problems and recent developments in surface modification techniques that function as antiviral and antibacterial coatings. Specifically, topics of interest include, but are not limited to papers dealing with materials coating (as aligned with Prosthesis’ wide scope in the sense of epidemiological research on disabled conditions), antiviral and antibacterial surface construction on high-traffic objects such as elderly homes, hospitals, and doors and windows in public transportation. We are also open to considering the subjects and research on occupational hygiene and socio-medical aspects of prosthetic rehabilitation.

Dr. Ajay Vikram Singh Guest Editor