Polymeric Systems as Antimicrobial or Antifouling AgentsAntonella Piozzi, Iolanda Francolini The rapid increase in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, combined with a dwindling rate of discovery of novel antibiotic molecules, has created an alarming issue worldwide. Although the occurrence of resistance in microbes is a natural process, the overuse of antibiotics is known to increase the rate of resistance evolution. Under antibiotic treatment, susceptible bacteria inevitably die, while resistant microorganisms proliferate under reduced competition. Therefore, the out-of-control use of antibiotics eliminates drug-susceptible species that would naturally limit the expansion of resistant species. In addition, the ability of many microbial species to grow as a biofilm has further complicated the treatment of infections with conventional antibiotics. A number of corrective measures are currently being explored to reverse or slow antibiotic resistance evolution, Among which one of the most promising solutions is the development of polymer-based antimicrobial compounds. In this Special Issue, different polymer systems able to prevent or treat biofilm formation, including cationic polymers, antibacterial peptide-mimetic polymers, polymers or composites able to load and release bioactive molecules, and antifouling polymers able to repel microbes by physical or chemical mechanisms are reported. Their applications in the design and fabrication of medical devices, in food packaging, and as drug carriers is investigated. |
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acid addition adhesion agents allows analysis anti-biofilm antibacterial antibacterial activity antibiotics antimicrobial activity antimicrobial peptides Appl applications assay aureus authors bacterial biocide biofilm formation cationic caused cells changes characterization charged Chem chemical coatings coli compared composites compounds concentration containing copolymers copper CrossRef culture determined drug effect environment evaluation Figure fluorescence functionalized groups growth higher hydrophobic images immobilization increase incubation infections inhibition interaction Italy lipopeptide materials matrix measurements mechanical membrane method microbial Microbiol microorganisms modified molecular molecules nanoparticles natural novel observed obtained organic paints pathogens peptides performed periodontal plates polymer polymeric potential prepared presence printed production properties proteins PubMed reduced release reported resistance samples showed solution specific spectra standard strains structure surface Synthesis Table temperature tested thermal toxicity treatment values