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Recent Advances in Antibacterial Nanomaterials

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 80

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advances in antibacterial nanomaterials have opened new pathways to combat microbial resistance and infections. Nanomaterials such as silver, zinc oxide, copper oxide, titanium dioxide, and carbon-based nanostructures exhibit strong antibacterial properties due to their high surface area, enhanced reactivity, and ability to interact with bacterial membranes.

They function through various mechanisms: releasing metal ions that disrupt cell metabolism, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cellular components, and physically damaging bacterial membranes. Some nanomaterials can also interfere with DNA replication or protein synthesis, inducing bacterial death.
Multifunctional and hybrid nanomaterials are also being developed, combining antibacterial activity with other properties, such as anti-inflammatory or wound-healing effects. Surface modification and controlled release systems have further improved the biocompatibility and efficacy of these nanomaterials.

Furthermore, green synthesis methods are garnering interest as they provide the means to produce nanomaterials in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner, using plant extracts or microorganisms.

Despite significant progress, challenges remain regarding the long-term toxicity, environmental impact, and large-scale production of these nanomaterials. Currently, research is focused on addressing these issues and developing safer, more effective antibacterial solutions for medical devices, coatings, textiles, and water purification systems.

Dr. Luca Scotti
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • nanoparticles
  • biochemistry
  • antibacterial
  • bacteriostatic
  • cell membrane

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 2650 KiB  
Article
Durable Antibacterial Performance of Au–Ag–Cu Thin Films Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering: Real-World Applications
by Agata Markowska-Szczupak, Rafał J. Wróbel, Anna Kiełbus-Rąpała and Beata Michalkiewicz
Molecules 2025, 30(16), 3348; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30163348 - 12 Aug 2025
Abstract
The growing prevalence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics and conventional disinfectants is a cause for concern and underscores the necessity of developing new strategies to prevent the transmission of microorganisms. To this end, nanocrystalline Cu, Au, and Ag nanoparticles were employed to fabricate [...] Read more.
The growing prevalence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics and conventional disinfectants is a cause for concern and underscores the necessity of developing new strategies to prevent the transmission of microorganisms. To this end, nanocrystalline Cu, Au, and Ag nanoparticles were employed to fabricate various coatings using the sputtering technique. Then, the antibacterial activity of the coatings against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylocococcus epidermidis was investigated. The coating obtained by co-sputtering of Au, Ag, and Cu exhibited the most pronounced antibacterial properties. This coating was applied to disposable BIC ballpoint pens, which were subsequently used by clients in two public institutions. After three months of regular use, the antibacterial properties of the coatings were re-evaluated. It was confirmed that this coating led to a significant reduction (log5 CFU/mL) in the bacterial presence on the treated surface within 0.5 h. These results support further investigation into the underlying mechanism, which is likely based on the synergistic interaction of the employed noble metal nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Antibacterial Nanomaterials)
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