Annealing of Pd nanolayers on PEN resulted to Pd aggregation and formation of discrete nanoislands.

UV treatment was found as the gentlest sterilization method in term of physicochemical properties of Pd/PEN interface.

Autoclaving and chemical sterilization by ethanol resulted into remarkable changes of Pd/PEN interface.

Cytotoxicity of Pd samples was insignificant.

Pd nanostructures are potentially applicable as health-unobjectionable antibacterial coatings of medical devices.