Purpose <p>The development of biofilms over surgical devices and food contact surfaces poses significant health risks, leading to increased morbidity and mortality, and imposing substantial financial burdens on healthcare systems. Biofilms exhibit high resistance to conventional antimicrobial therapies, contributing to persistent infections and the spread of emerging infectious diseases due to unhygienic food contact surfaces. Consequently, there is an urgent need for novel strategies beyond conventional antibiotics and hygiene maintenance to control biofilm-related infections.</p> Methods <p>In this review paper, the use of metallic nanoparticles as an anti-biofilm strategy via coating over the surgical and food contact surface have been briefly elaborated.</p> Results <p>Effective control over biofilms on surgical devices and food contact surfaces involves developing biofilm inhibitors based on a thorough understanding of biofilm formation mechanisms and coating contact surfaces with materials that inhibit biofilm growth. Ensuring the biocompatibility of these modified surfaces remains a challenge. Recently, biogenically synthesized metallic nanostructures have gained significant attention in healthcare and the food industry for their ability to effectively retard biofilm formation caused by various pathogens. These nanostructures demonstrate mechanistic anti-biofilm efficacy by disrupting regulatory processes, inhibiting protein synthesis, depleting ATP, and damaging cell walls.</p> Conclusions <p>This review delves on advancements in anti-biofilm approaches, highlighting promising strategies that surpass conventional methods through use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) over contact surfaces, which possess significant antibacterial efficacy. Additionally, it elaborates on coating strategies for surgical devices, such as sutures, endotracheal tubes, catheters, and gloves, as well as improvements in packed food contact surfaces and textiles used in operation theaters, aimed at inhibiting biofilm formation and curbing the spread of pathogenic bacteria responsible for life-threatening diseases.</p> Lay Summary <p>Biogenic metallic nanostructure coating is emerging as effective solutions for preventing and controlling biofilm formation on surgical devices and food contact surfaces. These coating leverage the unique properties of biogenic metallic NPs, which are synthesized using environmentally friendly biological methods involving plants, bacterial, or fungi. This approach not only reduces toxicity but also enhances the biocompatibility of the materials used. Therefore, the integration of biogenic metallic NPs coating represents a significant advancement in the fields of biomedical engineering and food safety. By harnessing the natural properties of NPs, synthesized through biological means, these coating not only provide effective solutions for biofilm prevention but also promote sustainability in material science. As research continue to evolve, the potential application and benefits of these metallic NPs are likely to expand further, paving the way for innovative solutions in various sectors.</p> Graphical Abstract