Design, Synthesis, and Applications of Novel Antimicrobial Materials
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science and Engineering".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 818
Special Issue Editors
Interests: polymers; smart polymers; enzymes; dendrimers; radiation grafting; drug delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: nanomaterials; hydrogels; emulsion and microemulsion polymerization; bone cements; water contaminant removal
Interests: polymer synthesis and characterization; polymeric and composite materials; tissue restoration; guided tissue engineering
Interests: hydrogels, polymers; smart polymers; radiation grafting; drug delivery, nanoparticles, surface functionalization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Rapid advances in materials science have catalyzed the emergence of a new generation of antimicrobial materials, designed with unprecedented precision to combat microbial proliferation across a wide range of critical applications. This multidisciplinary field combines polymer, ceramic, and metal alloy engineering with the strategic incorporation of active agents at the micro-, nano-, or molecular scale. The primary objective of using these materials is to confer intrinsic antimicrobial properties, whether passive or active, to surfaces and matrices that traditionally lack them.
The innovation lies in these materials' ability to integrate metallic nanoparticles, specific pharmaceutical compounds, or biologically active agents, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and enzymes. Their architecture also allows for surface loading or functionalization with antimicrobial chemical groups, such as quaternary ammonium salts or iminium salts, which exert direct inhibitory action on bacterial and fungal growth. Nanoscale engineering is fundamental for optimizing the bioavailability of the antimicrobial agent, maximizing the surface area in contact with microorganisms, and ultimately enhancing biocidal efficacy.
Implementing these advanced systems can revolutionize various sectors. In healthcare, they facilitate the development of medical devices with reduced risk of nosocomial infections and implant coatings. In environmental and water treatment applications, they offer solutions for purification and biocorrosion mitigation. Likewise, in the food industry, they extend product shelf life through active packaging, and in textiles, they provide improved durability against microbial degradation. A deep understanding of the mechanisms of action and the optimization of material–microorganism interactions are crucial for the continued evolution and success of this emerging technology.
Dr. Guadalupe G. Flores-Rojas
Dr. Eduardo Mendizábal
Dr. Ricardo Vera Graziano
Dr. Emilio Bucio
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- antimicrobial activity
- polymer
- metal alloy, nanoparticles
- coating
- enzyme immobilization
- drug delivery
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