Rechargeable antimicrobial materials that can provide continuous sanitation of contact surfaces or liquids are provided that are based on functionalized sanitization particles that are either freestanding or coupled to a surface film. The sanitization particles have a carrier particle and one or more antimicrobial agents loaded into, adsorbed onto or bonded to each carrier particle. The antimicrobial agents may also be joined to a polymer or particulates of clay or zeolite that are coupled to the carrier. Sanitization particles may also be coupled directly to a film or through a chemical linker. The particles and films provide methods of enhanced inactivation of antibiotic resistant bacteria, inactivation and dissipation of biofilms, and the reduction or elimination of bacterial pathogens from surfaces, medical devices, on food or in food containers.