Responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Biofilm-infection Control

Abstract

With the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in many pathogens, bacterial infections are becoming a growing threat to public health. The dilemma is due largely to the formation of biofilms, in which the bacteria are extremely recalcitrant to the conventional antibiotic regimens. To address the emergence of MDR and biofilm-associated infections, numerous polymer-based materials have been designed and prepared recently. The subject of this perspective is the recent development of polymer-based materials that have been applied to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens, to prevent the formation of biofilms, or to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of conventional antibiotics via enhanced biofilm penetration and retention. The advantages and shortcomings of these polymer-based materials are discussed, as well as the challenges we are facing in the clinical translation of these systems.