Polymeric Systems as Antimicrobial or Antifouling Agents

Abstract

The rapid increase in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains combined with a dwindling rate of discovery of novel antibiotic molecules has lately created an alarming issue worldwide [...]

“Smart” Antimicrobial Nanocomplexes with Potential to Decrease Surgical Site Infections (SSI)

“…Smart solutions involving hybrid materials based on synergistic antimicrobial action have promising future perspectives to combat resistant microorganisms.Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 361 2 of 36 20,000 related deaths in the United States in 2017 only and remains to be one of the important infection-associated mortality reasons [11,12]. The formation of biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces [13] paved the way for biofilm antibiotic tolerance as another major health threat [14,15]. This additional problem hampers the treatment of infections, most often gives rise to chronic infections, in the worst case to therapeutic failure, severe morbidity, and mortality [4].…”

Preparation and Functionalization of Polymers with Antibacterial Properties—Review of the Recent Developments

“…After biofilm maturation, some of it dissipates, releasing floating bacteria that can redeposit on the surface [112][113][114]. Among the polymeric materials that can be helpful in preventing biofilm formation are antifouling polymers, which repel the bacteria from the surface with chemical or physical mechanisms, and antibacterial ones, e.g., peptide mimetic polymers and cationic polymers [115]. Within the antifouling agents, the surfaces functionalised with hydrophilic, zwitterionic, and superhydrophobic polymers should be listed [116].…”

Advances in Nonfouling and Antimicrobial Coatings: Perspectives for the Food Industry

“…Two processes can be used in commercial polyurethane synthesis: one-shot and prepolymer. As indicated by Schollenberger, both methods have unique applications; one shot synthesis tends to be cheaper to manufacture and is commonly used to produce thermosetting polymers, whereas prepolymer synthesis allows for better control of block segmentation and molecular weight but is more complex. , Recent research has explored methods to create solvent free, − bioderived, − isocyanate free, or functionalized ,,,,− polyurethanes that impart antimicrobial, − antifungal, and color fixing character. Indeed, the nature of polyurethane’s chemistry enables the introduction of functional blocks so long as they have ester or ether end groups.…”

“…and Listeria monocytogenes remain a high priority to eradicate due to their unique abilities to form or coexist in biofilms and their high potency if left untreated. , The vast variety of bacteria demands a more versatile coating so that these bacteria, at a minimum, are reduced when in contact with these antimicrobial coatings. Thus, while physical modifications may be acceptable in other industries, recent research for food manufacturing purposes has focused on creating different functional antimicrobial polymer coatings ,,,− using chemical modification, along with establishing the best way to synthesize antimicrobial coatings , to be used in more robust environments. As such, this next section is dedicated to surveying antimicrobial agents with potential to form functional polyurethane and epoxy coatings, as well as provide insight on viability for use on nonfood contact surfaces.…”