Dear Colleagues,

the growing interest in a healthy lifestyle in modern society has also caused an increase in the demand for materials showing antibacterial activity. Thanks to such materials, an environment free from pathogenic microorganisms is created in our immediate surroundings. Some polymers have the ability to inhibit microbial growth or even their complete destruction. Due to the type of polymers, as well as the many possibilities of using their antimicrobial properties, the dividing of such macromolecules can be different, and their systematization is not easy. Particular attention should be paid to two parameters: the mechanism of action of polymers, and their chemical structure.

Due to the mechanism of action, polymers are divided into bacteriostatic and bactericidal polymers. The first group consists of polymers which, by acting on the wall and cell membrane of bacteria, inhibit its further development and multiplication. In contrast, biocidal polymers contribute to the complete breakdown of the bacterial cell. Another division, taking into account the combination of the polymer chain with an antibacterial agent, divides polymers into releasing antibacterial agent and the group of contacting, permanent and static antibacterial compounds. Polymers releasing an antibacterial agent unstably bound, most often physical interactions, emit it under appropriate conditions (e.g., temperature or pH change). Such compounds require prior functionalization of the polymer chain with a suitable biocidal compound. The second possibility is polymers whose chains have chemical groups in their structure. The factors permanently associated with the modified surface are more acceptable from this point of view because they do not release into the environment during the using process.

The most popular antibacterial or functionalized polymers with antimicrobial properties include (i) compounds containing quaternary ammonium salts, (ii) halogenated phenols, (iii) nanoparticles of noble metals and metal oxides, or (iv) compounds based on natural biocides. The purpose of this Special Issue is to present the latest solutions in the field of giving polymers antimicrobial properties, the extent of interaction of these compounds and the conditions in which the optimum of these properties is obtained.

Dr. Dawid Stawski
Guest Editor

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• polymers
• antimicrobial properties
• bacteria