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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 21169

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hah Young Yoo

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Guest Editor

Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Republic of Korea
Interests: biotechnology; bioprocess engineering; microbiology; biomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Jin Cheol Yoo

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Guest Editor

Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju 501-759, Republic of Korea
Interests: microbiology; antibiotics; antimicrobial resistance; antioxidants

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Starting with penicillin, mankind has advanced medicine to the next level by pioneering the field of antibiotics. As a result, this field finally gained the upper hand in the battle against bacteria and has saved countless patients from infectious diseases. However, the overuse of antibiotics in recent decades has resulted in the emergence of drug-resistant microbial strains. It has become one of the most pressing public health problems in the world. Antimicrobial resistance has the potential to affect people at all stages of life, as well as in the agricultural, food, medical and veterinary industries. It is necessary to develop biomaterials with antimicrobial properties to inhibit microbial growth without using antibiotics and to ensure product quality and safety. In addition, fundamental research is required to more quickly and accurately detect pathogens that threaten health and safety, and the development of compact and economical measuring equipment for use in various fields is needed.

This Special Issue on “The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials” includes different aspects of synthesis, modification, and physicochemical characterization of antimicrobial agents for the fabrication of antimicrobial biomaterials. The potential topics include (but are not limited to) the following research areas:

Natural-based biomaterials with antimicrobial properties (e.g., chitin, polylysine, polythioesters, pullulan, etc.).
Organic or carbon nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties (e.g., carbon nanotubes, chitosan, β-cyclodextrin, graphene, nanodiamonds, polyaniline, polypyrrole, etc.).
Economical production of antimicrobial agents (g., microbial fermentation, extraction from biomass).
Active biopolymer development and mass production process (statistical optimization).
Antimicrobial films (bioelastomers) for food packaging applications.
Screening technologies for antimicrobial candidates.
Selective pathogen-sensing technology.

Dr. Hah Young Yoo
Prof. Dr. Jin Cheol Yoo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biomaterials
biopolymers production
antimicrobial agents
antimicrobial activity
natural antibiotics
antioxidants
bioelastomers
food packaging

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Calcination Temperatures on Crystallite Size, Particle Size, and Antimicrobial Activity of Synthesized MgO and Its Cytotoxicity

by Gopinath Kasi, Nattan Stalin, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Joshua Nizel Halder, Suphat Phongthai, Patnarin Worajittiphon, Jongchul Seo and Sarinthip Thanakkasaranee

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(10), 4868; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26104868 - 19 May 2025

Abstract

The development of antimicrobial agents with excellent antimicrobial activity, high thermal stability, and non-toxic properties is an essential demand in food packaging, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications. In the present study, MgO nanoflakes were synthesized via the co-precipitation method by varying calcination temperatures at 400, 500, and 600 °C. The effect of calcination temperature on the morphology, thermal stability, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity of the MgO nanoflakes was analyzed. All synthesized MgO samples showed a Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) structure. As the calcination temperature increased, the MgO crystallite and particle sizes increased, whereas the surface area decreased. In addition, the MgO synthesized from higher calcination temperatures showed higher thermal stability and crystallinity. The MgO synthesized from the lower calcination temperatures (400 and 500 °C) showed superior antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (100% R) and Staphylococcus aureus (100% R) than that from the higher calcination temperature (600 °C). The cytotoxicity test demonstrates slight cytotoxicity in MgO-400 °C at concentrations ranging from 100 to 200 µg/mL. Interestingly, MgO-500 °C and MgO-600 °C demonstrate biocompatibility and exhibit non-cytotoxic effects, respectively, highlighting their potential for practical applications in active food packaging and biomedical fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)

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22 pages, 4995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of Antimicrobial and Insecticidal Properties of Essential Oil of Myrtus communis L. from Algeria

by Ghozlane Barboucha, Noureddine Rahim, Amina Bramki, Houssem Boulebd, Anna Andolfi, Khaoula Boulacheb, Amina Boulacel, Maria Michela Salvatore and Marco Masi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(10), 4754; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26104754 - 15 May 2025

Viewed by 209

Abstract

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and biological activities of Myrtus communis essential oil (EO) from Algeria, focusing on its antimicrobial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties using in vitro and in silico approaches. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified myrtenyl acetate (57.58%), 1,8-cineole (17.82%), and α-terpineol (6.82%) as the major constituents. M. communis EO exhibited significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus (13.00 ± 0.70 mm) and Salmonella typhimurium (13.00 ± 1.50 mm), with moderate inhibition of Bacillus subtilis (10 ± 1.00 mm) and Escherichia coli (9.00 ± 0.70 mm), while Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed resistance. The antifungal activity was notable against Fusarium oxysporum (16.50 ± 0.50 mm), Aspergillus fumigatus (11.00 ± 1.00 mm), and Penicillium sp. (9.00 ± 0.60 mm) but ineffective against Aspergillus niger. Insecticidal activity against Tribolium castaneum was evaluated using contact toxicity, fumigation toxicity, and repellent activity assays. The EO demonstrated potent insecticidal effects, with an LC₅₀ value of 0.029 µL/insect for contact toxicity and 162.85 µL/L air for fumigation after 96 h. Additionally, the EO exhibited strong repellent activity, achieving 99.44% repellency at a concentration of 0.23 mg/cm² after 24 h. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided insights into the molecular geometry and electronic properties of the key bioactive compounds. Molecular docking studies evaluated their binding affinities to bacterial enzymes (DNA gyrase, dihydrofolate reductase6, and Gyrase B) and insecticidal targets (acetylcholinesterase), revealing strong interactions, particularly for geranyl acetate and methyleugenol. These findings highlight M. communis EO as a promising natural antimicrobial and insecticidal agent, with potential applications in plant protection and biopesticide development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)

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19 pages, 4671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Aloe Vera Gel as Media to Assess Antimicrobial Activity and Development of Antimicrobial Nanocomposites

by Erwan Rauwel, Geeta Arya, Kristi Praakle and Protima Rauwel

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5599; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115599 - 21 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2365

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a menace to public health on a global scale. In this regard, nanomaterials exhibiting antimicrobial properties represent a promising solution. Both metal and metal oxide nanomaterials are suitable candidates, even though their mechanisms of action vary. Multiple antimicrobial mechanisms can occur simultaneously or independently; this includes either direct contact with the pathogens, nanomaterial uptake, oxidative stress, ion release, or any of their combinations. However, due to their specific properties and more particularly fast settling, existing methods to study the antimicrobial properties of nanoparticles have not been specifically adapted in some cases. The development of methodologies that can assess the antimicrobial properties of metallic nanomaterials accurately is necessary. A cost-effective methodology with a straightforward set-up that enables the easy and quick assessment of the antimicrobial properties of metal nanoparticles with high accuracy has been developed. The methodology is also capable of confirming whether the killing mechanism involves ionic diffusion. Finally, Aloe Vera gel showed good properties for use as a medium for the development of antimicrobial ointment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)

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21 pages, 12324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Synthesis of Narrow-Size Silver Nanoparticles Using Ginkgo biloba Leaves: Condition Optimization, Characterization, and Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities

by Qi Ni, Ting Zhu, Wenjie Wang, Dongdong Guo, Yixiao Li, Tianyu Chen and Xiaojun Zhang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(3), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031913 - 5 Feb 2024

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3086

Abstract

Natural products derived from medicinal plants offer convenience and therapeutic potential and have inspired the development of antimicrobial agents. Thus, it is worth exploring the combination of nanotechnology and natural products. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the leaf extract of Ginkgo biloba (Gb), having abundant flavonoid compounds. The reaction conditions and the colloidal stability were assessed using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the AgNPs. AgNPs exhibited a spherical morphology, uniform dispersion, and diameter ranging from ~8 to 9 nm. The FTIR data indicated that phytoconstituents, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids, could potentially serve as reducing and capping agents. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized AgNPs was assessed using broth dilution and agar well diffusion assays. The results demonstrate antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains at low AgNP concentrations. The cytotoxicity of AgNPs was examined in vitro using the CCK-8 method, which showed that low concentrations of AgNPs are noncytotoxic to normal cells and promote cell growth. In conclusion, an environmentally friendly approach for synthesizing AgNPs from Gb leaves yielded antibacterial AgNPs with minimal toxicity, holding promise for future applications in the field of biomedicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)

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15 pages, 4946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effect, Improved Cell Selectivity, and Elucidating the Action Mechanism of Antimicrobial Peptide YS12

by Suzia Aktar Suchi, Dae Young Lee, Young Kyun Kim, Seong Soo Kang, Tahmina Bilkis and Jin Cheol Yoo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(17), 13522; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713522 - 31 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1710

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted considerable attention as potential substitutes for traditional antibiotics. In our previous research, a novel antimicrobial peptide YS12 derived from the Bacillus velezensis strain showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) indicated that combining YS12 with commercial antibiotics produced a synergistic effect. Following these findings, the combination of YS12 with an antibiotic resulted in a faster killing effect against bacterial strains compared to the treatment with the peptide YS12 or antibiotic alone. The peptide YS12 maintained its antimicrobial activity under different physiological salts (Na⁺, Mg²⁺, and Fe³⁺). Most importantly, YS12 exhibited no cytotoxicity towards Raw 264.7 cells and showed low hemolytic activity, whereas positive control melittin indicated extremely high toxicity. In terms of mode of action, we found that peptide YS12 was able to bind with LPS through electrostatic interaction. The results from fluorescent measurement revealed that peptide YS12 damaged the integrity of the bacterial membrane. Confocal laser microscopy further confirmed that the localization of peptide YS12 was almost in the cytoplasm of the cells. Peptide YS12 also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the release of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and NO. Collectively, these properties strongly suggest that the antimicrobial peptide YS12 may be a promising candidate for treating microbial infections and inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)

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16 pages, 9562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Recovery Strategy of Luteolin from Agricultural Waste Peanut Shells and Activity Evaluation of Its Functional Biomolecules

by Seunghee Kim, Kang Hyun Lee, Jeongho Lee, Soo Kweon Lee, Youngsang Chun, Ja Hyun Lee and Hah Young Yoo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 12366; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512366 - 2 Aug 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2485

Abstract

Peanut shells (PSs) generated from agricultural waste contain valuable compounds with bioactive properties such as anti-aging, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it desirable to recycle them as a sustainable resource. The aim of this study is to design an effective luteolin recovery process as the first step of an integrated biorefinery utilizing PSs as raw material. The major extraction variables and their ranges for luteolin recovery from PSs were determined (0–60 °C, 1–5 h, 0–100% MeOH concentration) and a predictive model was derived through a response surface methodology (RSM). Based on the predictive model, the equation determined for the maximal extraction of luteolin at 1 h was as follows: y = –1.8475x + 159.57, and the significant range of variables was as follows: 33.8 °C ≤ temperature (x) ≤ 48.5 °C and 70.0% ≤ MeOH concentration (y) ≤ 97.5%, respectively. High antioxidant and elastase inhibitory activities of PS extracts were confirmed, and these results support their potential to be used as functional materials. In addition, 39.2% of the solid residue after extraction was carbohydrate, which has potential as a carbon source for fermentation. This study provides a useful direction on an integrated biorefinery approach for sustainable agricultural waste valorization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)

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10 pages, 2791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Adherence of Oral Streptococcus to Polylactic Acid Might Explain Implant Infections Associated with PLA Mesh Implantation

by Sonia Sarfraz, Anni-Maria Tamminen, Junnu Leikola, Sonja Salmi, Mika Kaakinen, Timo Sorsa, Juho Suojanen and Justus Reunanen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(11), 9504; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119504 - 30 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2147

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the biofilm formation properties of common pathogens associated with implant-related infections on two different implant material types. Bacterial strains tested in this study were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. Implant materials tested and compared were PLA Resorb × polymer of Poly DL-lactide (PDLLA) comprising 50% poly-L-lactic acid and 50% poly-D-lactic acid) and Ti grade 2 (tooled with a Planmeca CAD-CAM milling device). Biofilm assays were done with and without saliva treatment to evaluate the effect of saliva on bacterial adhesion and to mimic the intraoral and extraoral surgical routes of implant placement, respectively. Five specimens of each implant type were tested for each bacterial strain. Autoclaved material specimens were first treated with 1:1 saliva-PBS solution for 30 min, followed by washing of specimens and the addition of bacterial suspension. Specimens with bacterial suspension were incubated for 24 h at 37 °C for biofilm formation. After 24 h, non-adhered bacteria were removed, and specimens were washed, followed by removal and calculation of adhered bacterial biofilm. S. aureus and E. faecalis showed more attachment to Ti grade 2, whereas S. mutans showed higher adherence to PLA in a statistically significant manner. The salivary coating of specimens enhanced the bacterial attachment by all the bacterial strains tested. In conclusion, both implant materials showed significant levels of bacterial adhesion, but saliva treatment played a vital role in bacterial attachment, therefore, saliva contamination of the implant materials should be minimized and considered when placing implant materials inside the body. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)

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17 pages, 4312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochemical Characterization and Application of a Detergent Stable, Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Potential Protease from Bacillus siamensis

by Hasan Tarek, Kyung Bin Nam, Young Kyun Kim, Suzia Aktar Suchi and Jin Cheol Yoo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(6), 5774; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065774 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4292

Abstract

Proteases are important enzymes that are engaged in a variety of essential physiological functions and have a significant possible use in industrial applications. In this work, we reported the purification and biochemical characterization of a detergent stable, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm potential protease (SH21) produced by Bacillus siamensis CSB55 isolated from Korean fermented vegetable kimchi. SH21 was purified to obtain homogeneity via ammonium sulfate precipitation (40–80%), Sepharose CL-6B, and Sephadex G-75 column. By analyzing the SDS-PAGE and zymogram, it was determined that the molecular weight was around 25 kDa. The enzyme activity was almost completely inhibited in the presence of PMSF and DFP, which indicated that it was a member of the serine protease family. SH21 showed excellent activity with a broad range of pH and temperature, with its maximum pH of 9.0 and temperature of 55 °C. The enzyme had estimated K_m and V_max values of 0.197 mg/mL and 1.22 × 10³ U/mg, respectively. In addition, it preserved good activity in the presence of different organic solvents, surfactants, and other reagents. This enzyme showed good antimicrobial activity that was evaluated by MIC against several pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, it exhibited strong antibiofilm activity as determined by MBIC and MBEC assay and degraded the biofilms, which were analyzed by confocal microscopic study. These properties established that SH21 is a potent alkaline protease that can be used in industrial and therapeutic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)

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Review

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32 pages, 1094 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bioactive-Glass-Based Materials with Possible Application in Diabetic Wound Healing: A Systematic Review

by Marian Vargas Guerrero, Floor M. A. Aendekerk, Candice de Boer, Jan Geurts, Jimmy Lucchesi and Jacobus J. C. Arts

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 1152; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021152 - 17 Jan 2024

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3610

Abstract

Diabetes affected 537 million adults in 2021, costing a total of USD 966 billion dollars in healthcare. One of the most common complications associated with diabetes corresponds to the development of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DFUs affect around 15% of diabetic patients; these ulcers have impaired healing due to neuropathy, arterial disease, infection, and aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, among other factors. The bioactive-glass-based materials discussed in this systematic review show promising results in accelerating diabetic wound healing. It can be concluded that the addition of BG is extremely valuable with regard to the wound healing rate and wound healing quality, since BG activates fibroblasts, enhances M1-to-M2 phenotype switching, induces angiogenesis, and initiates the formation of granulation tissue and re-epithelization of the wound. In addition, a higher density and deposition and better organization of collagen type III are seen. This systematic review was made using the PRISMA guideline and intends to contribute to the advancement of diabetic wound healing therapeutic strategies development by providing an overview of the materials currently being developed and their effect in diabetic wound healing in vitro and in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)

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