What do we call materials that are designed to resist the growth of bacteria?

The term that accurately describes materials designed to resist the growth of bacteria is "antimicrobial." Antimicrobial materials are engineered to inhibit the proliferation of various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making them useful in a wide range of applications, particularly in healthcare settings where preventing infection is critical.

"Antibiotic" agents work to kill bacteria or inhibit their growth, but not all antibiotic substances specifically refer to materials. Meanwhile, "bactericidal" refers specifically to substances that kill bacteria rather than just inhibiting their growth. In contrast, "bacterial-static" typically applies to agents that slow down bacterial growth without necessarily killing them, which is a narrower definition and does not encompass materials that may actively resist bacteria.

Thus, "antimicrobial" is the broadest and most accurate term for materials specifically designed to resist bacterial growth while also addressing other potential pathogens.