Antimicrobial materials with medical applications

Abstract

Despite intensive and considerable research achievements by material scientists and biologists, the problems of infections related to medical devices and implants remain knotty. The biofilm related infections are much harder to eradicate due to protection of extracellular polymeric substance secreted by the biofilms, hence shows a strong resistance to conventional antibiotics. Thus, there is a huge challenge for researchers to seek effective methods to combat device related bacterial infections ignited by biofilms to mitigate potential health risks and massive financial burdens to healthcare systems. Here we review the most recent progress and work on the applications of antibacterial biomaterials for the biomedical devices, concentrating on metals with antibacterial coatings/surfaces, antibacterial stainless steels and other commonly used antibacterial materials.