Antibacterial activity of natural polymer gels and potential applications without synthetic antibiotics

Abstract

Antibiotics' use has increased, resulting in disadvantages like patients' drug resistance. Consequently, urgent action is required to develop a new generation of antibacterial agents. Most antibacterial platforms still require a modification with further antibacterial agents (e.g., antibiotics) for adequate antibacterial efficiency. Thus, a nonantibiotic methodology is immediately needed. Furthermore, bactericidal agents used for this purpose are usually based on metal nanoparticles, carbon materials, and polymers. Still, chemicals, antibiotics, and biocides lead to environmental damage. Therefore, the help of biocompatible yet durable materials and polymers is highly appreciated. In addition, if a polymer is not biodegradable, it will remain in the environment for more than one hundred years due to its low degradation rate. Moreover, non‐biodegradable polymers are harmful to in vivo applications. Hence, the use of biodegradable and non‐toxic materials has received many considerations. Over the last few years, the design and synthesis of new polymer gels have gained increasing attention. A polymer gel, also known as a hydrogel, is a three‐dimensional and cross‐linked network filled with water or other liquid solvents. Besides, the hydrogels supercritical drying method results in aerogels, and the freeze‐drying method generates cryogels, where their porous and sponge‐like structures are preserved. Additionally, antibacterial polymer gels are a new generation of polymers considered attractive due to their unique properties. The most recent studies and the latest innovations in polymer gels and hybrid polymers with intrinsic antibacterial properties were discussed in the present review. The reviewed studies from 2015 to April 2022 showed a tremendous revival in research about biopolymer hydrogel, aerogel, and cryogel as antibacterial agents.

Waste to Wealth Approach: Improved Antimicrobial Properties in Bioactive Hydrogels through Humic Substance–Gelatin Chemical Conjugation

“…Bacterial organisms can protect themselves from superficial physical and chemical disinfection using different protocols including biofilm formation, change in the physical properties of mature biofilms, alteration in the genotype of the bacteria, production of neutralizing enzymes, and physiological attributes within biofilms . Antibacterial polymers can prompt the effectiveness and specificity of applied antimicrobial agents while reducing the associated environmental risks because these polymers have non-permeable properties and are chemically stable …”

“…74 Antibacterial polymers can prompt the effectiveness and specificity of applied antimicrobial agents while reducing the associated environmental risks because these polymers have non-permeable properties and are chemically stable. 75 Among the various antimicrobial agents, bioavailable moieties, including biopolymer gels, are good alternatives to antibiotics, and this may be due to their multi-biological function as well as their compatibility. 76 HSs represent the most extensive and reactive class of the natural compounds which are a part of the organic substances of soils, natural waters, and solid combustible minerals but also we can obtain these materials starting from wastes which can be treated as a source of bioactive compounds.…”

Advancing biomedicine with gel‐based materials and composites: A comprehensive review

“…Due to high surface‐to‐volume ratio and controlled structure of hydrogels, they can release the drug at the target site while maintaining their aqueous content and biocompatibility. The selection of monomers and crosslinkers can be effective in developing hydrogels with antibacterial properties, while some hydrogels inherently have this property (such as hydrogels with antibacterial polymers and peptides and amphoteric ion hydrogels) 97 . Polymer gels with antibacterial properties have a wide range of potential applications, including wound dressings, medical implants, and personal care products such as hand sanitizers and soaps.…”

“…The selection of monomers and crosslinkers can be effective in developing hydrogels with antibacterial properties, while some hydrogels inherently have this property (such as hydrogels with antibacterial polymers and peptides and amphoteric ion hydrogels). 97 Polymer gels with antibacterial properties have a wide range of potential applications, including wound dressings, medical implants, and personal care products such as hand sanitizers and soaps. By incorporating antibacterial compounds into the polymer gel, these products can prevent infections and promote healing, as shown in Figure 13.…”

Advances in the Application of Photothermal Composite Scaffolds for Osteosarcoma Ablation and Bone Regeneration

“…Among the inorganic materials, the main ones used are metals such as Ti and BC such as Ca–P-based materials (like HA, tricalcium phosphate (TCP), bioactive glasses, and Ca–Si-based materials (such as CaSiO 3 and calomel)). BC is a type of inorganic material that has gained significant attention in research due to its excellent biocompatibility, chemical similarity to natural human bone, ability to promote bone regeneration, and good mechanical strength. − Natural polymers, such as collagen, silk fibroin (SF), cold junction gum, chitosan (CS), and alginate, are extensively studied due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability . Researchers can modulate the structure and mechanical strength of natural polymer scaffolds by cross-linking them in a variety of ways or with chemical modifications.…”