Antibacterial Activity of Polymeric Materials

Over recent years, there has been widespread use of plastics for applications in the biomedical and food industries. Materials used for these applications need to meet some requirements in terms of bicompatibility and acceptable mechanical properties. Further, it is crucial to restrict the growth of harmful bacteria or pathogens that can induce material degradation and loss of properties. Hence, it is essential to design new polymer-based materials with antibacterial action.  This can be attained in several pathways, including the design of new biopolymers incorporating specific functional groups that provide antibacterial activity, the addition of inorganic nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Cu) or metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, TiO₂) that provide biocide action, the incorporation of carbon nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide) that provide antibacterial action and the addition of other active agents with biocide action.

The goal of this Special Issue is to gather the latest advances regarding the synthesis, characterization, and properties of  polymer-based materials with antibacterial actions. Both original articles and reviews are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Ana María Díez-Pascual
Guest Editor

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