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Polymer Composites with Antibacterial Properties

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2024) | Viewed by 23347

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daeduk Science Town, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
Interests: energy harvesters and Li-ion batteries; thin-film coatings; metal halide perovskites; antibacterial functional coatings; polymer composite materials; piezo/ferroelectric materials; self-powered sensors and photodetectors; multi-functional devices (energy harvester cum sensor)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daeduk Science Town, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
Interests: thermoelectric, piezoelectric and photovoltaic materials for the development of various energy harvesters, sensors, and storage units; halide perovskite materials; polymer composite materials; photodetectors; thin-film antibacterial surface coatings for hygienic displays; antibacterial touch sensors

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Guest Editor
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daeduk Science Town, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
Interests: thin-film capacitors; fusion technology of solar cells, thermoelectrics, and piezoelectrics using one material and one structure; in situ graphene growth with no transfer at 100 °C; flexoelectric properties of Zn-Al:LDH nanosheets; halide perovskite thin films such as MAPbI3, MASnI3, CsPbI3, and MA3Bi2I9 using the CVD method; thin-film antibacterial coatings
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental contamination by microorganisms is a major cause of the transmission of several infectious diseases; the recent outbreak of COVID-19 is one such example, and has raised public awareness of the disinfection pathways of such highly infectious microbes. In this regard, an antibacterial coating can play an important role in reducing microbial contamination. In addition, the development of bacteria can easily occur on materials used for food packaging, medical equipment, wearable electronics, or textile products, where polymer materials are generally utilized. Therefore, the development of polymer-composite-based materials with antimicrobial/antibacterial activity is crucial to avoid the propagation of pathogens. The addition of filler materials with antibacterial properties to polymers not only boosts the antimicrobial properties, but also mainly assists in improving the hydrophobic and mechanical properties to realize the long-term operational stability of functional coatings. This Special Issue is devoted to endorsing the excellent research concerning various antibacterial/antimicrobial materials, including metal and ceramic nanomaterials, etc., as well as their polymer composite materials.

This Special Issue focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and properties of various polymer composite materials for antibacterial applications. We invite researchers to share their latest investigations in the form of articles, communications, and reviews.

Dr. Swathi Ippili
Dr. Venkatraju Jella
Prof. Dr. Soon-Gil Yoon
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antibacterial activity
  • biomaterials
  • nanomaterials
  • ceramics
  • metals
  • polymers
  • polymer composites
  • mechanical durability
  • electronics
  • biomedical applications

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 7645 KiB  
Article
Novel Zinc/Silver Ions-Loaded Alginate/Chitosan Microparticles Antifungal Activity against Botrytis cinerea
by Marko Vinceković, Slaven Jurić, Kristina Vlahoviček-Kahlina, Katarina Martinko, Suzana Šegota, Marijan Marijan, Ana Krčelić, Lidija Svečnjak, Mislav Majdak, Ivan Nemet, Sanda Rončević and Iva Rezić
Polymers 2023, 15(22), 4359; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15224359 - 8 Nov 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2423
Abstract
Addressing the growing need for environmentally friendly fungicides in agriculture, this study explored the potential of biopolymer microparticles loaded with metal ions as a novel approach to combat fungal pathogens. Novel alginate microspheres and chitosan/alginate microcapsules loaded with zinc or with zinc and [...] Read more.
Addressing the growing need for environmentally friendly fungicides in agriculture, this study explored the potential of biopolymer microparticles loaded with metal ions as a novel approach to combat fungal pathogens. Novel alginate microspheres and chitosan/alginate microcapsules loaded with zinc or with zinc and silver ions were prepared and characterized (microparticle size, morphology, topography, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and swelling behavior). Investigation of molecular interactions in microparticles using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy exhibited complex interactions between all constituents. Fitting to the simple Korsmeyer–Peppas empirical model revealed the rate-controlling mechanism of metal ions release from microparticles is Fickian diffusion. Lower values of the release constant k imply a slower release rate of Zn2+ or Ag+ ions from microcapsules compared to that of microspheres. The antimicrobial potential of the new formulations against the fungus Botrytis cinerea was evaluated. When subjected to tests against the fungus, microspheres exhibited superior antifungal activity especially those loaded with both zinc and silver ions, reducing fungal growth up to 98.9% and altering the hyphal structures. Due to the slower release of metal ions, the microcapsule formulations seem suitable for plant protection throughout the growing season. The results showed the potential of these novel microparticles as powerful fungicides in agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites with Antibacterial Properties)
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18 pages, 6105 KiB  
Article
Development and Characterization of Bio-Based Composite Films for Food Packing Applications Using Boiled Rice Water and Pistacia vera Shells
by Vinnarasi A. Raj, Karthikumar Sankar, Pandiarajan Narayanasamy, Innasi Ganesh Moorthy, Natesan Sivakumar, Shyam Kumar Rajaram, Ponmurugan Karuppiah, Mohammed Rafi Shaik, Abdulrahman Alwarthan, Tae Hwan Oh and Baji Shaik
Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3456; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163456 - 18 Aug 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2802
Abstract
Customer demand for natural packaging materials in the food industry has increased. Biocomposite films developed using boiled rice water could be an eco-friendly and cost-effective packaging product in the future. This study reports the development of bio-based films using waste materials, such as [...] Read more.
Customer demand for natural packaging materials in the food industry has increased. Biocomposite films developed using boiled rice water could be an eco-friendly and cost-effective packaging product in the future. This study reports the development of bio-based films using waste materials, such as boiled rice water (matrix) and Pistacia vera shells (reinforcement material), using an adapted solution casting method. Several film combinations were developed using various concentrations of plasticizing agent (sorbitol), thickening agent (oil and agar), and stabilizing agents (Arabic gum, corn starch, and Pistacia vera shell powder). Various packaging properties of the film were analyzed and examined to select the best bio-based film for food packaging applications. The film fabricated with Pistacia vera shell powder in the biocomposite film exhibited a reduced water solubility, swelling index, and moisture content, as compared to polyethene packaging material, whereas the biocomposite film exhibited poor antimicrobial properties, high vapor transmission rate, and high biodegradability rate. The packaging properties and characterization of the film indicated that the boiled rice water film with Pistacia vera shell powder was suitable for packaging material applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites with Antibacterial Properties)
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Review

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25 pages, 17145 KiB  
Review
An Overview of Polymer Composite Films for Antibacterial Display Coatings and Sensor Applications
by Swathi Ippili, Jang-Su Jung, Alphi Maria Thomas, Van-Hoang Vuong, Jeong-Min Lee, Mizaj Shabil Sha, Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni, Venkatraju Jella and Soon-Gil Yoon
Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3791; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183791 - 17 Sep 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3143
Abstract
The escalating presence of pathogenic microbes has spurred a heightened interest in antimicrobial polymer composites tailored for hygiene applications. These innovative composites ingeniously incorporate potent antimicrobial agents such as metals, metal oxides, and carbon derivatives. This integration equips them with the unique ability [...] Read more.
The escalating presence of pathogenic microbes has spurred a heightened interest in antimicrobial polymer composites tailored for hygiene applications. These innovative composites ingeniously incorporate potent antimicrobial agents such as metals, metal oxides, and carbon derivatives. This integration equips them with the unique ability to offer robust and persistent protection against a diverse array of pathogens. By effectively countering the challenges posed by microbial contamination, these pioneering composites hold the potential to create safer environments and contribute to the advancement of public health on a substantial scale. This review discusses the recent progress of antibacterial polymer composite films with the inclusion of metals, metal oxides, and carbon derivatives, highlighting their antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, the review summarizes the recent developments in antibacterial polymer composites for display coatings, sensors, and multifunctional applications. Through a comprehensive examination of various research studies, this review aims to provide valuable insights into the design, performance, and real-time applications of these smart antimicrobial coatings for interactive devices, thus enhancing their overall user experience and safety. It concludes with an outlook on the future perspectives and challenges of antimicrobial polymer composites and their potential applications across diverse fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites with Antibacterial Properties)
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25 pages, 1484 KiB  
Review
Review on PLGA Polymer Based Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Properties and Their Application in Various Medical Conditions or Infections
by Ashok K. Shakya, Mazen Al-Sulaibi, Rajashri R. Naik, Hamdi Nsairat, Sara Suboh and Abdelrahman Abulaila
Polymers 2023, 15(17), 3597; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15173597 - 30 Aug 2023
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6789
Abstract
The rise in the resistance to antibiotics is due to their inappropriate use and the use of a broad spectrum of antibiotics. This has also contributed to the development of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, and due to the unavailability of suitable new drugs for treatments, [...] Read more.
The rise in the resistance to antibiotics is due to their inappropriate use and the use of a broad spectrum of antibiotics. This has also contributed to the development of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, and due to the unavailability of suitable new drugs for treatments, it is difficult to control. Hence, there is a need for the development of new novel, target-specific antimicrobials. Nanotechnology, involving the synthesis of nanoparticles, may be one of the best options, as it can be manipulated by using physicochemical properties to develop intelligent NPs with desired properties. NPs, because of their unique properties, can deliver drugs to specific targets and release them in a sustained fashion. The chance of developing resistance is very low. Polymeric nanoparticles are solid colloids synthesized using either natural or synthetic polymers. These polymers are used as carriers of drugs to deliver them to the targets. NPs, synthesized using poly-lactic acid (PLA) or the copolymer of lactic and glycolic acid (PLGA), are used in the delivery of controlled drug release, as they are biodegradable, biocompatible and have been approved by the USFDA. In this article, we will be reviewing the synthesis of PLGA-based nanoparticles encapsulated or loaded with antibiotics, natural products, or metal ions and their antibacterial potential in various medical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites with Antibacterial Properties)
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30 pages, 2353 KiB  
Review
Metal–Polymer Nanocomposites: A Promising Approach to Antibacterial Materials
by Asma Ghazzy, Rajashri R. Naik and Ashok K. Shakya
Polymers 2023, 15(9), 2167; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15092167 - 2 May 2023
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 6919
Abstract
There has been a new approach in the development of antibacterials in order to enhance the antibacterial potential. The nanoparticles are tagged on to the surface of other metals or metal oxides and polymers to achieve nanocomposites. These have shown significant antibacterial properties [...] Read more.
There has been a new approach in the development of antibacterials in order to enhance the antibacterial potential. The nanoparticles are tagged on to the surface of other metals or metal oxides and polymers to achieve nanocomposites. These have shown significant antibacterial properties when compared to nanoparticles. In this article we explore the antibacterial potentials of metal-based and metal–polymer-based nanocomposites, various techniques which are involved in the synthesis of the metal–polymer, nanocomposites, mechanisms of action, and their advantages, disadvantages, and applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites with Antibacterial Properties)
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