Functional insights to the development of bioactive material for combating bacterial infections

Abstract

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” poses a serious threat to human health. Nanomaterials and cationic polymers have shown unprecedented advantages as effective antimicrobial therapies due to their flexibility and ability to interact with biological macromolecules. They can incorporate a variety of antimicrobial substances, achieving multifunctional effects without easily developing drug resistance. Herein, this article discusses recent advances in cationic polymers and nano-antibacterial materials, including material options, fabrication techniques, structural characteristics, and activity performance, with a focus on their fundamental active elements.

Nanozyme-Engineered Hydrogels for Anti-Inflammation and Skin Regeneration

“…While these strategies have demonstrated potential in inhibiting bacterial growth and facilitating skin wound healing, it is essential to acknowledge that these antimicrobial substances not only destroy harmful bacteria but also impede the growth of beneficial bacteria that disturb the equilibrium of microbial ecosystems in the skin. As such, there is an immense need to explore alternative approaches capable of curbing the proliferation of harmful bacteria while preserving the growth of beneficial bacteria [222][223][224]. Moreover, combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections is a challenging task [225,226].…”

Nanomedicine against biofilm infections: A roadmap of challenges and limitations

“…However, such simulations are insufficient for comprehending the in vivo behavior of chronic infections, influenced by various factors like site-specific microbial diversity or environmental conditions (Liu et al, 2019;Makhlouf et al, 2023). Therefore, in vivo models are necessary to see in a more general view the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of the NPs, as well as the immunogenic response at a systemic level (Birk et al, 2021;Fan et al, 2023;Van Gent et al, 2021).…”

Harnessing antimicrobial peptide-coupled photosensitizer to combat drug-resistant biofilm infections through enhanced photodynamic therapy

“…Therefore, the research and development of new efficient antibacterial drugs and novel antibacterial strategies were of great significance for mankind to break out of this dilemma. Fortunately, there were many potential antibacterial agents under study, such as cationic photosensitizers 8 , metabolic probes 9 , metal nanomaterials 10 , 11 , antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , and cationic polymers 16 , 17 , 18 .…”