Abstract
Infections are one of the main concerns of our era due to antibiotic-resistant infections and the increasing costs in the health-care sector. Within this context, antimicrobial polymers present a great alternative to combat these problems since their mechanisms of action differ from those of antibiotics. Therefore, the microorganisms’ resistance to these polymeric materials is avoided. Antimicrobial polymers are not only applied in the health-care sector, they are also used in many other areas. This review presents different strategies that combine nanoscience and nanotechnology in the polymer world to combat contaminations from bacteria, fungi or algae. It focuses on the most relevant areas of application of these materials, viz. health, food, agriculture, and textiles.
Highlights
The terms nanoscience and nanotechnology are widely used to label a variety of products
LV-encapsulated PLGA NPs using 1% w/v mannitol were evaluated for their in vitro drug release profile and ex vivo transcorneal permeation [27]. Microbiological efficacy of this system was tested against S. aureus using the cup-plate method, revealing that the NPs were retained for longer times and drained out from the eye very slowly compared to the marketed formulation
In addition to incorporating antimicrobial agents in polymeric materials used for food packaging, those antimicrobial compounds can be directly used as additives in food and beverages
Summary
The terms nanoscience and nanotechnology are widely used to label a variety of products. Polymers possess highly desirable characteristics such as high strength or modulus to weight ratios (light weight but comparatively stiff and strong), toughness, resilience, resistance to corrosion and lack of conductivity (heat and electrical) among others, whilst being comparatively cheap. Many of these characteristics make them perfect candidates for their utilization in multiple applications; such as in biomedical devices, health care, food, agriculture, catalysis, electronics, environment, renewable energy or textiles [1]. The potency of such antimicrobial agents is directly proportional to their toxicity towards humans For this reason, the development of potent but non-toxic antimicrobial polymers is much needed and pursued.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
