Antibacterial Polymers and Hybrids

Dear Colleagues,

Biofouling processes are caused by microorganisms and byproducts that adhere to surfaces and are undesirable, generating a high cost for society. They can find solutions with antimicrobial polymer systems. In hospitals, for example, this is a huge problem since pathogen bacteria during surgical intervention can create a biofilm, provoking infection. In a study of the World Health Organization, 8.7% of hospitalized patients presented nosocomial infections. Biofouling processes are also important in other cases, e.g., packaging materials, marine equipment, and membranes for water treatment. In summary, this is a generalized phenomenon that negatively affects many aspects of our life. In this Special Issue, we will focus on solutions based on polymer systems. These may be inherent antimicrobial polymers or polymers that may incorporate specific molecules or elements that provide antibacterial behavior. These novel polymers and hybrids are still under study, so papers on novel polymer-based systems are kindly invited to this Special Issue on “Antimicrobial Polymers and Hybrids” against infection and biofouling.

Prof. Dr. Jose-Ramon Sarasua
Prof. Dr. Emilio Meaurio 
Dr. Ainhoa Lejardi
Guest Editors

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• Antibacterial polymers
• Polymer composites
• Solid amorphous dispersions
• Biofouling
• Antimicrobial polymers
• Polymer hybrids