Superhydrophilic nanopillar-structured quartz surfaces for the prevention of biofilm formation in optical devices

•The nano-fabrication of nature-inspired nanopillar structured surface.•The nanopillar structure exhibits transparency, anti-glow and anti-fogging effect suitable for optical devices.•The nanopillar structured surface exhibits good bactericidal effect.•The nanopillar structured transparent surface is suitable for bactericidal optical devices.