Conjugated Polymers for Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major challenges in pathogenic infections, which endangers human health and brings devastating public health threats. Therefore, developing new materials to reduce the over-reliance on antibiotics or to replace antibiotics is in great need to solve this problem. Conjugated polymers (CPs) with excellent light-harvesting properties and good biocompatibility are ideal candidate materials for combatting AMR through photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PACT) by sensitizing oxygen and photothermal therapy (PTT) by light to heat conversion. Significant works of CPs-based antimicrobial approaches have been reported in recent years. Herein, we summarize the types of CPs-based antimicrobial materials, illustrate their antimicrobial mechanisms, and discuss their applications in combating AMR mainly by PACT or antimicrobial PTT. In addition, we proposed some other antimicrobial treatment strategies based on CPs, hoping to provide inspiring insight for overcoming AMR.

AIEgen orthopalladated hybrid polymers for efficient inactivation of the total coliforms in urban wastewater

“…Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major challenges in human history. Macromolecules have been e ciently and extensively employed in the biomedical eld as antimicrobial probes [13,14]. Due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic, interest in developing novel polymeric scaffolds with superior antibacterial and antiviral activities dramatically increased [15].…”

AIEgen orthopalladated hybrid polymers for efficient inactivation of the total coliforms in urban wastewater

“…Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major challenges in human history. Macromolecules have been efficiently and extensively employed in the biomedical field as antimicrobial probes 14 , 15 . Due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic, interest in developing novel polymeric scaffolds with superior antibacterial and antiviral activities dramatically increased 16 .…”

Recent Advance in Polymer Coatings Combating Bacterial Adhesion and Biofilm Formation†

“…[ 2‐3 ] The global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) makes it more difficult to fight against bacterial infection. [ 4‐9 ] DAIs have become an increasing threat to the health and life of patients. [ 10‐13 ] They are responsible for more than 25% of hospital‐acquired infections (HAIs) in the USA.…”