Fighting Antibiotic‐Resistant Bacteria: Promising Strategies Orchestrated by Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Abstract

Infections caused by antibiotic‐resistant bacteria are difficult and sometimes impossible to treat, making them one of the major public health problems of our time. We highlight how one unique material, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), can orchestrate several strategies to fight this serious societal issue. MIPs are tailor‐made biomimetic supramolecular receptors that recognize and bind target molecules with high affinity and selectivity, comparable to those of antibodies. While research on MIPs for combatting cancer has flourished, comprehensive work on their involvement in combatting resistant superbugs has been rather scarce. This review aims at filling this gap. We will describe the causes of bacterial resistance and at which level MIPs can deploy their weapons. MIPs’ targets can be biofilm constituents, quorum sensing messengers, bacterial surface proteins and antibiotic‐deactivating enzymes, among others. We will conclude with the current challenges and future developments in this field.

A molecularly imprinted antibiotic receptor on magnetic nanotubes for the detection and removal of environmental oxytetracycline

“…1 Following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID- 19), humans have become soberly aware of the fact that a great deal of infectious diseases originate from the environment and enter through the mouth, hence the importance of environmental monitoring and food safety control. 2,3 The threat of virus/bacterial infections to human health has attracted worldwide attention since the beginning of history, for which the treatment mainly relies on the use of antibiotics. In this regard, people began to blindly pursue ''getting better soon'' and ''making more money'', leading to the abuse of antibiotics.…”

Greenificated Molecularly Imprinted Materials for Advanced Applications

“…Furthermore, they are able to neutralize the bacterial defenses and minimizing collateral damage to the host's defense. [ 78 ] In this context, Qu et al. designed shape‐selective bio‐orthogonal catalysts by covering the surfaces of bacteria with copper and carrying out an in situ encapsulation with a layer of silicon.…”

“…Furthermore, they are able to neutralize the bacterial defenses and minimizing collateral damage to the host's defense. [78] In this context, Qu et al designed shapeselective bio-orthogonal catalysts by covering the surfaces of bacteria with copper and carrying out an in situ encapsulation with a layer of silicon. [79] Subsequent calcination of the bacterial template then ultrasonic treatment provided hollow catalysts that enabled the capture of specific bacteria and accomplish in situ drug synthesis.…”

Antibiotic resistant bacteria: A bibliometric review of literature

“…Initially, there are many researches on substances and preparations that can play an antibacterial role. For example, the antibacterial mechanism of nanomaterials ( 222 ), and molecularly imprinted polymers ( 223 ), the research review of antibacterial peptides in the source, structure, clinical trials ( 224 ), etc., the mechanism of prebiotics to remove intestinal pathogens ( 225 ), as well as the activity and antibacterial mechanism of antimicrobial agents from plants ( 226 ). Secondly, there are also many studies on the existence of micro pollutants, including the distribution and concentration of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment ( 227 ), the pollution status, sources and potential risks of antibiotics in surface water ( 228 ), and the production and removal of resistant microorganisms in hospital wastewater ( 229 ).…”